Podcast Summary: True Crime with Kendall Rae

Episode: Evidence in Their Home Proves the Truth Behind Her Murder: Who Killed Heidi Firkus?
Date: February 19, 2026
Host: Kendall Rae

Episode Overview

This episode of True Crime with Kendall Rae examines the shocking 2010 murder of Heidi Firkus, a beloved 25-year-old in St. Paul, Minnesota. Kendall breaks down the mystifying case, focusing on Heidi’s character, the unfolding of the crime, the suspicious actions of her husband Nick Firkus, and the long path to justice. The episode highlights the importance of victim advocacy, persistent investigation, and the emotional toll on those left behind.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Who Was Heidi Firkus?

• Heidi’s Background
  • Born December 14, 1984. Raised in Falcon Heights, Minnesota. (02:24)
  • Active, creative, devoted to her faith, and known for making others feel seen.
• Relationship with Nick
  • Met Nick Firkus in youth group, married young, admired for commitment to church and each other.

2. The Day of the Crime

• Nick’s Account of the Morning
  • Nick claimed to wake around 6 am on April 25, 2010, heard someone trying to break in, grabbed a shotgun, and woke Heidi. (06:53)
  • Heidi called 911 as they tried to escape; 38 seconds into the call, a gunshot is heard and the line drops. (07:33)
• Aftermath and Nick’s 911 Call
  • Nick called 911 shortly after, frantic and claiming both had been shot. Heidi died at the scene; Nick had a minor leg injury. (08:28)

3. Initial Investigation and Nick’s Statements

• Oddities in Nick’s Story
  • Nick sent unarmed Heidi down the stairs first ("In what world would you send your unarmed wife down the stairs first when you're the one who supposedly has a shotgun in your hands?" - Kendall Rae, 17:12)
  • Heidi supposedly stopped for her wallet—an illogical move in such a crisis.
  • No signs of forced entry or struggle despite Nick’s claims; items undisturbed in the "struggle" zone. (20:22)
• Lack of Emotion from Nick
  • Nick is unemotional during interviews, even saying, “I figured that,” upon hearing about Heidi’s death. (25:34)
    • Quote:
      Sergeant Gray: “She didn’t make it.”
      Nick Furkus: “I figured that.” (25:34)
  • He waited over an hour and a half before inquiring about Heidi’s status.

4. Motive: Financial Ruin and Foreclosure

• Financial Secrecy
  • Nick and Heidi’s house was days from foreclosure, yet Nick claimed only he and Heidi knew, as they were "ashamed" and "did not tell anyone, not even their parents." (26:53)
  • Evidence from the home shows they were not preparing to move—furniture, food, and clothing all in everyday use. (27:13)
• Heidi’s Possible Ignorance
  • Analysis of correspondence shows Heidi likely had no idea about the imminent foreclosure. She was apparently told by Nick they had been victims of identity theft. (Detective Sipes’ discovery, ~45:01)

5. Nick’s Behavior Post-Murder

• Immediate Remarriage
  • Only two months after Heidi's death, Nick formed a relationship with Rachel, whom he soon married. (32:38)
  • Rachel later opened up about the eerily fast progression and Nick’s secrecy about his past.

6. New Investigation Breakthroughs

• Detective Nicole Sipes' Role
  • In 2019, Detective Sipes revitalized the case, working with the FBI to create a detailed financial timeline proving Heidi’s possible ignorance regarding the foreclosure. (45:21)
  • Discovery: No background noise or struggle on Heidi’s 911 call. FBI reenactments showed Nick’s timeline could be plausible for staging the scene and injuring himself. (49:51)
• Failed Framing Attempt
  • Nick had a sketch artist create a portrait of a supposed intruder, later identified as Michael Pie—who was in jail at the time and unrelated. (41:55)

7. Trial and Conviction

• Key Evidence at Trial
  • Prosecution demonstrated physical/evidentiary impossibilities in Nick’s story:
    • No forced entry, struggle, or evidence Heidi was aware of the foreclosure.
    • Experts testified that tool marks on the door were inconsistent with typical break-in attempts.
  • Nick’s defense: claimed ignorance was impossible due to the mail—prosecutors countered that Heidi wasn’t managing finances.
• Final Outcome
  • Jury returned guilty verdict after only five hours deliberation.
  • Nick sentenced to life without parole. (52:07)
  • Nick and his supporters continue to claim innocence; Heidi’s family relieved justice was achieved.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Nick’s Story & Demeanor:
  • "In what world would you send your unarmed wife down the stairs first when you're the one who supposedly has a shotgun in your hands?" - Kendall Rae (17:11)
  • "He just goes, ‘I figured that,’ like he's talking about not being able to get a tuna sandwich or something." - Kendall Rae (25:35)
• On Family Secrecy Over Finances:
  • “This has been kind of a private struggle for us... we were gonna move as much of our stuff into the garage as we possibly could.” - Nick Furkus (27:02)
• On Post-Case Division:
  • “Her friends and family were very uneasy about Nick. They had their suspicions immediately and they questioned his story extensively.” - Kendall Rae (31:28)
• Rachel Confronting Nick:
  • Rachel says, “Your actions have caused me to distrust you completely. And the fact that your lying was so easy … makes me think …”
  • Nick (interrupting): “That I could murder my wife.” (33:48)
• On Justice Achieved:
  • “I am so happy to say that 11 years … after her murder … Nick Furkus … was charged … the relief that Heidi’s loved ones had been praying for for over a decade.” - Kendall Rae (51:39)

Important Timestamps

• 02:07: Introduction to Heidi and her background
• 06:53: Night of the crime—Nick’s version of events
• 07:33: Playback of Heidi’s 911 call
• 09:33: Arrival of police and initial medical/emotional response
• 15:18: Detailed interrogation footage of Nick
• 17:12: Kendall’s analysis of Nick’s version of events
• 25:14: Nick’s emotionless reaction to being told of Heidi’s death
• 26:53: Revelation of foreclosure and financial struggles
• 32:38: Discussion of Nick’s remarriage and family reaction
• 41:55: Nick’s attempt to frame Michael Pie
• 45:21: Detective Sipes and fresh FBI review
• 49:51: FBI findings and reenactment
• 52:07: Nick’s trial outcome and sentencing

Tone and Language

• Empathetic, victim-centered: Focus on Heidi’s memory and her family’s long wait for justice.
• Candid, conversational: Kendall injects personal reactions and disbelief at Nick’s behavior (“this guy definitely gave, I guess, an underperformance”).
• Engaging and critical: Calls out logical inconsistencies, highlights red flags without sugar-coating.

Final Takeaway

Kendall Rae’s breakdown of the Heidi Firkus case demonstrates how evidence at home can unravel a narrative designed to mislead. It’s a story of community grief, investigative persistence, and the long arc of justice—emphasized by Heidi’s enduring legacy and her loved ones’ unyielding quest for truth.

If you sympathize with Heidi’s story or are interested in similar true crime explorations, Kendall invites feedback and further discussion.