ABC’s 20/20 to Re-Air Special ‘The Last Strike’ on North Dakota Love Triangle Murder
ABC announced the re-broadcast of the "20/20" documentary titled The Last Strike, originally aired in March, focusing on a North Dakota love triangle murder case. The two-hour special will air Friday from 8 to 10 p.m. and will be available for streaming on ABC News digital platforms, Disney+, and Hulu starting Saturday.
This documentary delves into the case surrounding the death of Chad Entzel, whose body was found in a burned home near Bismarck on January 2, 2020. Nikki Entzel, his wife and a mother of two, was convicted of murder conspiracy linked to his death. ABC’s press release described how initial reports of a tragic house fire masked a more sinister crime.
Police discovered that Chad Entzel had been shot twice with a shotgun, including a fatal head wound, with a spent shell found in the weapon beside him. Nikki Entzel originally claimed furnace problems caused the fire, but investigators concluded she and Earl Howard set two fires to destroy evidence.
Earl Howard was involved in the case as a key figure in the love triangle with Nikki and Chad Entzel. He pleaded guilty to arson and conspiracy charges in October 2021. His sentencing mandates a prison term of at least 21 years before eligibility for parole.
The documentary includes exclusive jailhouse interviews with Nikki Entzel and police interrogation tapes of Earl Howard. It also features interviews with investigators, officials, North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigations special agents, and family and friends of Chad Entzel. Shocking security camera footage preceding the crime is a central element of the program.
Nikki Entzel was sentenced to life in prison after a jury deliberated for two hours and convicted her of murder conspiracy. Although she appealed, the North Dakota Supreme Court ruled against her in October. Prosecutors stated the motive involved a plot for life insurance benefits following Chad Entzel’s death.
The initial murder charge against Howard was dropped due to the difficulty in proving who fired the fatal shot. However, his involvement in planning and conspiracy was confirmed through his guilty plea. The case drew considerable attention given its tragic ending and complex interpersonal dynamics.
Viewers interested in detailed criminal investigations and true crime stories will find The Last Strike a compelling recount of how love and betrayal led to murder and arson in a quiet North Dakota community. ABC’s renewed airing offers a chance to revisit this gripping and tragic case with new audiences.
Read more at: www.echopress.com
