Crime Junkie Episode Summary: "MURDERED: Nick Cordova"

Host: Ashley Flowers with Brit Prawat
Release Date: April 6, 2026
Episode Theme:
An in-depth look at the unsolved murder of Nick Cordova, a business owner in Gilbert, Arizona, killed in his office during a suspicious "robbery." The episode explores the mounting evidence, frustrating lack of arrests, complicated financial motives, and deep suspicions around Nick’s business partner, Dave Sweetman, whose past may hold further secrets.

Main Story Overview

• Setting: Gilbert, Arizona, May 27, 2020
• Victim: Nick Cordova (40), HVAC business owner, husband, and father of two
• Incident: Attacked and killed in his office during a FaceTime call with his children; murder captured partially on surveillance.

Key Discussion Points & Timeline

Discovery and Immediate Aftermath

• [01:22] Nick’s wife, Alicia, is alerted by daughter Capri, who witnessed the attack’s onset via FaceTime.
• [02:27] 911 call reveals chaos: Alicia hears a “bang,” moaning, and sees the call go silent. She desperately races with her children to Nick’s work.

"She just falls to her knees, crying uncontrollably, and all while trying to make sure that her kids can't see her do it."
—Ashley Flowers [07:35]

• [06:52] Upon arrival, Alicia encounters police, no ambulance, and after a prolonged wait, is told Nick is dead.

The Scene and Initial Suspicions

• [09:01] Business partner Dave Sweetman is found on scene, acting erratically, hands over a bloodied gun but claims he was attacked as well.
• [12:03] Dave’s story: two masked Hispanic men in green shirts and face masks (COVID-style) came to "sell Freon," robbed the men, struck Dave, shot Nick, then fled.

"I'm his partner. Two guys came in here. Two guys came in here, they left, they ran."
—Dave Sweetman (via police interview) [12:15]

• [14:48] Contradiction: Dave claims they took all his cash, but over $1,000 is found in another pocket.

Evidence and Investigation

• [19:36] Surveillance: Multiple cameras in the building, except the key office space. The footage largely supports Dave’s account: two men enter, use a box with a cutout to hide a gun, commotion off-camera, Nick flees, is shot in view, shooters escape in a red and silver Ford F150.

"Investigators write in the file that after seeing the surveillance footage, they no longer suspect Dave in the homicide. However, 'his involvement remained unclear.'"
—Ashley Flowers [21:39]

• [23:23] Alicia’s suspicion: She immediately points to Dave, citing recent stress and fear from Nick—including worries about Dave's illegal activities and a suggestion Dave might have him killed for insurance money.

Motive: Money and Insurance

• [27:34] Life insurance policies: Dave convinced Nick to take out large mutual policies (notably, $8 million total, not $1 million as Alicia suspected).
• [43:49] Alicia discovers documents for the policy payout were forged with her signature; she pursues legal action but can only secure a settlement after years in court.

"She finds out that there was another policy. And both policies together would pay out not $1 million, but $8 million."
—Ashley Flowers [42:53]

Police Response and Frustrations

• [39:59] Early police efforts: One promising detective was reassigned, after which progress stalled.
• [49:00] Allegations of sloppy or corrupt records handling in Gilbert PD (related Arizona Republic article, 2026).
• [50:36] Alicia eventually views the surveillance footage herself and spots details (Dave peeking through blinds as the suspects arrive—possibly expecting someone).

"Isn't that enough right there? Why would he be peeking through the blinds unless he was, like, expecting somebody?"
—Alicia, recalled by Ashley Flowers [50:36]

Unanswered Questions, Lingering Doubts

• Numerous records redacted; no confirmed forensic link between Dave and shooters.
• Robbery looked staged: Nick’s wallet and cash left behind, no suspect DNA due to gloves, business partner’s history of fraud and financial disputes.
• Dave opens a new HVAC business after Gilbert Air closes, continues operations as of the episode’s air date.

"She'll keep it all going until the people who killed Nick are finally behind bars."
—Ashley Flowers [55:42]

New Development Teased:

• [54:20] Nearly seven years before Nick’s murder, Dave’s wife, Laura Sweetman, also died under mysterious circumstances—topic for next week’s episode.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Alicia’s Immediate Suspicion:
  "She elaborated on why that was her first thought... Nick told her that Dave would 'hire a hitman to take him out so Dave could collect the insurance money.'"
  —Ashley Flowers [26:59]
• On the Surveillance Footage:
  "Nick comes into view... really close to the door when the suspect comes up behind him and just execution style, shoots him once in the back of the head."
  —Ashley Flowers [51:44]
• Legal Battles:
  "Somebody forged my signature. And the company's first question is, well, do you know of anybody that would want to do that?"
  —Ashley Flowers [44:05]
• On Lack of Closure:
  "To this day, she's still never been given a copy of his autopsy, and we couldn't obtain it through public records requests either."
  —Ashley Flowers [46:28]
• Lingering Frustration:
  "It just confirms everything that she's been feeling. So I'm saying this just makes her more suspicious of Dave..."
  —Ashley Flowers [52:02]

Timestamps of Important Segments

| Timestamp | Segment Description | |-----------|-----------------------------------------------------------------| | 01:22 | Discovery of the attack via FaceTime, Alicia's 911 call | | 06:52 | Alicia arrives—crime scene chaos, no answers | | 09:01 | Police find Dave Sweetman at the scene, erratic behavior | | 13:01 | Dave’s initial story, inconsistencies around the supposed robbery| | 19:36 | Police review surveillance tapes—key findings | | 23:23 | Alicia’s history with Dave and suspicion of financial motive | | 27:34 | Life insurance policies and increasing suspicion | | 39:59 | Stalled investigation after promising detective is reassigned | | 43:49 | Discovery of forged insurance claim documents | | 49:00 | Public records, allegations around Gilbert Police | | 50:36 | Alicia reviews surveillance herself, picks up on new detail | | 54:20 | Introduction of another mysterious death linked to Dave | | 55:42 | Alicia’s ongoing advocacy for justice |

Conclusion

This episode delivers a detailed, frustrating, and emotional account of Nick Cordova’s murder, highlighting the holes in the official investigation, the complexity of business partner betrayal, and a widow’s relentless quest for answers. Suspicion remains centered on Dave Sweetman—though police claim no evidence directly connects him—due to his inconsistent behavior, financial motives, and a possibly checkered past. The case remains unsolved, with the family’s hope now resting on public attention and new leads.

Call to Action

"If you have any information about the 2020 death of Nicholas Nick Cordova in Gilbert, Arizona, you can reach out to the Gilbert Police Department at 480-503-6500. Or if you prefer to remain anonymous, you can reach out to Silent Witness at 480-948-6377. The posted reward for information is now up to $20,000."
—Ashley Flowers [55:35]

Note:
For more on the mysterious death of Dave Sweetman's wife, tune in to the next episode.

Crime Junkie is presented by Audiochuck Media.