Where is Nikki Hillrich now? Details explored ahead of Fatal Vows on ID

An Investigation Discovery episode goes deep to explore the sordid details of the killing of John Hillrich and the person who was convicted, Nikki Hillrich. The episode Fatal Vows: Sins of the Heart premiered on November 3, 2018, on Investigation Discovery. It is scheduled to re-air on August 27, 2024.

John Hillrich was gunned down in August 2011 outside his workplace, a grim murder that unfolded into a high-profile investigation detailing a stomach-churning plot masterminded by his ex- wife, Amy Nicole "Nikki" Hillrich. The episode details how the murder took place and the legal consequences that followed.

Nikki Hillrich faces the end of a long prison sentence, her parole eligibility being in October 2031. This article looks into the background of the crime, its subsequent investigation, and Nikki Hillrich now.

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Where is Nikki Hillrich now?

First-degree murder charges were filed against Nikki Hillrich after an investigation, and she was convicted in May 2015. Within the same month, charges of first-degree murder were filed against her accomplices, David Olvera and Emilio Saldana. David and Emilio were sentenced to 51 years to life in prison, while Nikki was sentenced to 26 years to life.

Hillrich is eligible for parole in 2031 (Representative image via Unsplash/ Denis Oliveira)

Nikki Hillrich is currently serving her sentence at the California Institution for Women in Chino, Riverside County. She will be eligible for parole in October 2031, as aforementioned.

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John Hillrich murder case

John Hillrich was born in May 1972 and was a businessman based in Akron, Ohio. He was married to Nikki Hillrich and divorced her in 2004. However, John and Nikki retained mutual custody of the two children, a daughter and a son, and continued to live in Yucaipa, California. John was an impassioned father and a deeply religious man.

The suspect used a gun to commit the crime (Representative image via Unsplash/ Maxim Hopman)

John Hillrich was shot numerous times on August 16, 2011, while leaving his office building in Ontario, California. He was on his way to collect his children and was gunned down in a parking structure.

John was shot several times, with bullets entering his upper left arm, lower left back, and left side of the head. Though rushed to the hospital, he succumbed to his injuries shortly after.

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The investigation and arrests

The case of John Hillrich's murder rapidly unraveled. Citizens in the vicinity reported that they had witnessed a pickup truck leaving the scene where shots had been heard. Surveillance cameras proved the same, and the license plate number turned out to be an important piece of evidence.

The truck was traced back to 24-year-old David Olvera and his accomplice, 22-year-old Emilio Saldana. These two men were known to have a criminal record and had previously worked with Nikki Hillrich at a care facility in Yucaipa.

Further investigation revealed that David Olvera and Emilio Saldana had been communicating with Nikki Hillrich in the days that preceded the murder. Nikki, who was reportedly romantically involved with David, had reportedly spoken of John's murder with her boyfriend.

The victim was shot outside his office (Representative image via Unsplash/ Tom Def)

Text messages and phone records showed how Nikki had orchestrated the killing— detailing how to turn off John's car alarm system and how to track his movements. Some notes were allegedly found in Nikki's purse in which she expressed her interest in getting rid of John and even apologized for the necessity of killing him.

David Olvera was found to have been seen with a semiautomatic handgun not long before the shooting, and both he and Emilio Saldana tested positive for gunshot residue, sealing their involvement. The investigation quickly pointed towards Nikki as the mastermind of the crime.

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That episode, Fatal Vows: Sins of the Heart, illuminates the details and after-effects of Nikki Hillrich's intricate crime plot. All its aspects of planning and execution have gone on record regarding the murder case, which has revealed the extent of premeditation involved.