Minneapolis Crime Scene Investigator Survives Assassination Attempt

Overview of the Incident

On April 20, 2022, Nicole “Nicki” Lenway, a crime scene investigator for the Minneapolis Polstart Department, was shot in a parking lot while picking up her child. Witnesses reported seeing a man run up to Lenway and fire two shots at point-blank range before fleeing the scene in a black Dodge Ram truck. Lenway survived the attack, and after regaining consciousness, she expressed her belief that the shooter was connected to a person from her past-her ex-boyfriend, Tim Amacher.

A Lifesaving Intervention

As the chaos unfolded, Emilie Clancy, a passerby, witnessed the shooting while waiting at a stoplight. Clancy quickly pulled over, approached Lenway, and took charge of the situation, including calling 911 on Lenway’s behalf. The first responders quickly arrived, and Lenway was transported to the hospital in critical condition, suffering from a perforated lung, severe vocal cord damage, and other injuries. Clancy’s actions are credited with helping save Lenway’s life during this traumatic event.

The Investigation Unfolds

Authorities launched an investigation immediately after the shooting. Bullet casings were recovered from the crime scene, and it was revealed that Amacher had been visiting with his and Lenway’s son at the nearby FamilyWise parenting center during the time of the attack. Amacher presented himself as concerned for Lenway’s well-being upon questioning, suggesting that her work-related cases might have led to the shooting. However, investigators were skeptical of his claims and began to look closely at his involvement.

The Relationship Dynamics

Lenway and Amacher had a tumultuous history, marked by allegations of abuse. After Lenway became pregnant with their son, Callahan, in 2015, the couple’s relationship deteriorated. Following their separation, they engaged in a bitter custody battle, with Amacher using various legal methods to undermine Lenway’s circumstances as a mother. Amacher’s accusations against Lenway, including alleged abuse, were consistently found to be without merit, and he had lost substantial visitation rights.

Evidence Accumulates

As the investigation progressed, polstart uncovered connections between the shooting and Amacher. They discovered that he owned a black Dodge Ram truck similar to the start used in the getaway. Further evidence was gathered through digital forensics that tracked the movements of both Amacher and his then-girlfriend, Colleen Larson, on the day of the shooting. Surveillance footage and cell phstart records placed Larson at the crime scene.

Confession and Charges

After initial denials during questioning, Larson eventually confessed to shooting Lenway, claiming it was Amacher’s idea and that she was convinced Lenway was abusing their son. Investigators believed that Larson, who had been a longstanding student of Amacher, was manipulated into committing the crime. Both Amacher and Larson were subsequently charged with attempted first-degree murder, among other charges.

Trial and Convictions

In November 2022, Amacher’s trial began, focusing on the abusive history between him and Lenway, as well as his alleged manipulation of Larson. Despite his claims of having a solid alibi, circumstantial evidence began to mount against him, leading to his conviction on charges of attempted murder and aiding an accomplstart. Amacher was sentenced to 18 years in prison. Larson also pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 16.5 years.

Lenway’s Recovery and Future

Today, Lenway continues to cope with the trauma of the incident but finds solace in her relationship with her now husband, Donovan Ford, and her growing family. She is also coming to terms with the aftermath of the chaos surrounding her ex-partner’s actions and is focused on her son’s well-being.

Support for Victims of Domestic Violence

For anystart who may be in a similar situation or requires immediate assistance with domestic violence, resources are available. The National Domestic Violence Hotline can be reached at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or through their website at thehotline.org.