Podcast Summary: 48 Hours Post Mortem – "Who Wanted To Kill Nicki Lenway?"

Host: Ann Marie Green
Guest: Erin Moriarty (CBS Correspondent)
Date: November 25, 2025

Episode Overview

This “Post Mortem” dives into the harrowing 2022 attempted murder of Nikki Lenway, a crime scene investigator for the Minneapolis Police Department, who miraculously survived a near-fatal shooting. Host Ann Marie Green and correspondent Erin Moriarty discuss key evidence, the motives, the intricacies of the investigation, and the psychological dynamics that led two people—Tim Amaker and Colleen Larson—down a sinister path. The conversation explores the complexity of domestic violence, manipulation, high-stakes custody battles, and the resilience of a survivor.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Unusual Victim and a Rare Survivor

• Nikki Lenway, 33, was shot point-blank but survived—rare for 48 Hours cases (01:38).
• As a Minneapolis PD crime scene investigator, many possibilities for motive appeared: work-related reprisal, personal vendetta, or a random attack (01:38–02:14).
• Being able to interview a living victim provides unique insight into the crime’s aftermath and investigation (02:14).

The Heroism of a Stranger

• Eyewitness and good Samaritan Emily Clancy saw the attack and intervened, likely saving Nikki’s life (02:29–05:36).
• Emily was later recognized with a Good Citizen Award; her emotional retelling highlights the trauma faced by both bystanders and victims (05:11).
  • “Emily keeps thinking about how close Nikki came to dying. So she gets very emotional.” — Erin Moriarty (05:11)
• Nikki and Emily formed a bond after the event, sharing emotional reunions—including Nikki’s surprise pregnancy announcement (05:55–06:22).

Investigative Breakthroughs: Technology and Surveillance

• Multiple sources of surveillance—bank cameras, school cameras, and bodycam footage—provided leads (07:24–08:13).
  • “Surveillance video was crucial because you see that person run up... Clearly, this was a personal attack.” — Erin Moriarty (08:13)
• The digital trail: Offenders often think turning off their phone is enough, but vehicle Wi-Fi (especially in newer models) tracks their movements—key for tying Tim Amaker’s truck to the scene (09:47–10:32).
  • “Go ahead, leave your phone at home... But as soon as you get in the car, you are driving a cell phone.” — Erin Moriarty (09:47)

Domestic Violence: The Chilling Custody Battle

• The core of the story lies in domestic violence and coercive control (11:06).
• Tim Amaker weaponized the legal system against Nikki—filing repeated reports with child protection, triggering years of investigations, but no allegations against her were substantiated (11:41–12:23).
  • “He reported Nicole to child protection services multiple times, accusing her and Donovan of physical and sexual abuse… I had them in and out of my home for three years.” — Nikki Lenway (11:46, 12:00)
• The emotional, legal, and psychological toll on Nikki and her family is central.

Manipulation, Obsession, and the Role of Colleen Larson

• Colleen Larson: Tim’s former Taekwondo student and girlfriend, described as devoted and obedient—calling him “Master” and taking on a servant-like role (14:19–14:38).
  • “Prosecutors believe she was completely manipulated by Tim… there’d be no reason [for her] to want [Nikki] dead.” — Erin Moriarty (14:38)
• Former girlfriend (anonymized) confirms the spell Amaker cast on women:
  • “Yes, it was a high when I was around him… I was willing to do whatever I could to make him approve of me.” (16:22–16:48)
• Neighbors noted Tim’s charisma and the steady influx of women in his life; power dynamics were observed by those around him (17:03–17:24).

Legal Proceedings and Sentencing

• Colleen confessed, pleading guilty to aiding and abetting attempted murder; Tim was charged and convicted of orchestrating the attack (18:50–19:08).
  • “Prosecutors had to convince the jurors that Tim had so much power over Colleen that he was kind of using her as a weapon, that she was his weapon for shooting.” — Erin Moriarty (19:08)
• Both received what the law allows: Tim, 18 years; Colleen, 16.5 years. Early release is possible; concern remains for Nikki’s future safety (20:14–20:34).
  • “He could get out in 12 years… Nikki’s aware... her husband Donovan is aware. The legal system can only go so far to protect people.” — Erin Moriarty (20:34)

Aftermath and Resilience

• Nikki rebuilt her life, marrying Donovan Ford (her current husband, once a fellow crime scene responder); their relationship began after another crime scene interaction (21:26–21:42).
  • “Why did you stay with her?... Because I love her.” — Donovan Ford, as recalled by Erin Moriarty (21:42)
• Nikki’s son, after being told the truth (with support and counseling), is doing well. The family looks forward to the new baby (22:16).
• Despite outward appearance, Nikki carries invisible scars: vocal cord damage ended her singing—an important part of her identity (22:57–23:19).
  • “She looks fine, you know, barely a scar. But what you don’t realize is that she was a singer… she could no longer sing.” — Erin Moriarty (22:57)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Erin Moriarty on Domestic Violence:
  “The biggest thing was the issue of domestic violence. And this case was the scariest domestic violence case I have ever covered.” (11:06)
• Nikki Lenway on the Custody Battle:
  “It was the relentless number of motions before the court… I had them [child protective services] in and out of my home for three years.” (11:41, 12:00)
• Victim’s Resilience:
  “Out of this awful, awful situation, this nightmare relationship, Nikki did find true love and a wonderful man.” — Erin Moriarty (22:14)
• On the Enduring Trauma:
  “She was shot in her neck. She had terrible vocal cord damage and she could no longer sing.” — Erin Moriarty (22:57)

Important Segment Timestamps

• [01:38] Discussion of Nikki as an unusual, surviving victim.
• [02:29]–[05:36] Emily Clancy’s intervention and emotional impact.
• [07:24]–[10:32] The use of surveillance and digital evidence in the investigation.
• [11:06] Shifting focus to domestic violence and legal manipulation.
• [14:19]–[16:48] Exploration of Colleen Larson’s relationship and manipulation.
• [18:12]–[19:08] Tim Amaker’s courtroom behavior; convictions and sentencing challenges.
• [20:34]–[21:26] Conversations on sentencing adequacy, safety, and the impact on Nikki.
• [21:42]–[22:16] Insights into Nikki’s new marriage and son’s well-being.
• [22:57]–[23:19] The lasting effects: Nikki’s lost singing voice.

Conclusion

This episode of "48 Hours Post Mortem" is a powerful exploration of resilience, the dark edges of domestic abuse, and the complexities investigators face in unraveling cunning and manipulation. Through interviews with key players, exclusive emotional moments, and forensic fascination, Erin Moriarty and Ann Marie Green provide deep context—showcasing the dangers that can arise even when the law intervenes, and the hope survivors can find on the other side.