Bulletproof alibi collapses in ex's murder after witness account changes

Minot police say Heather Hoffman was convicted in the 2022 killing of her ex, Alex Eckert, after a witness contradicted her alibi and ballistics tied a firearm to the scene; she was sentenced to life without parole.

Heather Hoffman was arrested after her ex, Alex Eckert, was found dead in April 2022. She initially gave investigators an alibi supported by a location app and base records. Detectives say surveillance, witness accounts, and forensic evidence later contradicted that account. Prosecutors brought charges, and Hoffman was convicted and sentenced to life in prison without parole. Key facts: - Alex Eckert was found dead in April 2022 and his death prompted a police investigation. - Hoffman initially presented a Life360 location readout and base records that she said showed she did not leave home that day. - A coworker reported unusual behavior, and a man identified as Jesse told police he drove Hoffman to Eckert's apartment and that she entered from the vehicle. - Investigators reported that ballistics tests linked a firearm Hoffman had bought to shell casings at the scene, and medical findings were described as consistent with an attacker shorter than Eckert. - Hoffman was arrested, convicted of the killing, and sentenced to life without the possibility of parole. - A judge ordered that Hoffman have no contact with her daughter, who is now being raised by Hoffman's sister. Summary: Hoffman's conviction followed witness statements and forensic links that investigators say undermined her initial alibi, and she received a life sentence with no parole. Undetermined at this time.