She'd tell me she'd kill me and stuff, you know. >> We don't think you're a guy. We just think you hit a break. >> This is Nicholas Hartman, a man currently being questioned in connection to the mysterious death of his wife of more than a decade. And right now, he may think he is on the verge of getting away with it all. But detectives have questions. >> Are you going to try and pass it off that somebody broke into your house and killed your wife? >> And [music] the answer to them will prove whether what happened to Alyssa really was just Nick protecting himself. >> She just kept trying to stab Nick. Why are you going to do this to me? She had a bunch of knives. It's just like crazy, you know? >> Or whether there is something much much darker at play here with an evil husband at the center of it all. >> We don't want part of the truth. We want the entire story. Your wife deserves better than that. She deserves the truth. 16 years of marriage. You threw it away. On the morning of May 15th, 2012 in Bradenton, Florida, a friend arrived at 38-year-old Alisa Hartman's home to drop her child off for a day of babysitting, only for things to soon take a very dark turn. There was no answer at the door, and as the friend went inside, she discovered a gruesome scene. Alisa was unresponsive in bed, her face badly bludgeoned. A pillow covered her head, and a knife had seemingly been placed in her hand. Police soon arrived to secure the scene and attempted to make contact with Alisa's loved ones. But while her two teenage sons were known to be at school, her husband Nick was nowhere to be found. When he finally showed up at the house hours later, he showed obvious signs of intoxication and seemed far more concerned with explaining himself than reacting to the reality of his wife's gruesome death. But it's not the only suspicious move he'd make because there were some glaring inconsistencies between what he said and what detectives already knew. So, after giving Nick time to sober up, detectives would give him a chance to explain himself. And while he'll try his best, he's about to find out that getting away with murder is a lot easier said than done. >> Start from the beginning. Tell us what happened. >> Sure. I came home and I was going to get [clears throat] water sealer thing and uh she wasn't there watching kids so I just wanted to see what she was doing and she was just like here I was like you know and then she just took that knife up and I'm like I ain't have nothing to do with that and I'm just I I just I never had somebody take a knife to me. You know what I'm saying? So, it's just like >> just a reaction, you know? >> Just a reaction. I'm just like I don't want to get stabbed, you know? And then I just >> [clears throat] >> Where'd this happen at my house? >> We're at it in the house. >> The bedroom. >> Was the Was your wife awake? >> Yeah. She woke up and I was just like she didn't she No one liked me to begin with, you know. I got a bunch of freaking enemies. So I I seen this coming to where somebody was going to try to kill me. >> Why would they want to kill you? >> Because they think I'm no good, you know, which actually all I do. All I want to do is work and support my family. That's all I wanted to do. But all of a sudden, this happened. >> Nick's defense is as simple and simply dumb as it sounds. Despite just trying to be a good guy who supports his family, everyone hates him and wants him dead. And when Alyssa tried to do just that, he had to defend himself. >> Oh, beat the [ __ ] out of me. Did >> you get into a fight last night with her? >> More than once. You know, I mean, it's >> Did you guys call the law enforcement? Anybody call the cops? Come out there? >> I just like leave me alone, you know. >> Did she hit you? >> Yeah. And then he came I mean, >> where'd she hit you at? >> She hit me. She tried cutting me and [ __ ] right there. You know, I got marks right there. Stuck, you know. too bad, but she's, you know, she tries slicing me up and stuff. >> Mhm. >> I want to know about what happened in the argument when you she woke up. She >> She just started freaking going nuts. >> Like what? Explain that. Tell me explain to us so we understand. >> What the hell are you doing here type of thing? You're going to get you know >> a knife me and everything. I'm like what the hell? >> Where' the knife come from? >> Her hand. >> Where was it at when you said she was sleeping? Where was it at? Where? How? >> Right underneath her pillow. >> Does she normally sleep with the knife? >> All of a sudden, I guess. >> But you were there last night? >> Yeah. >> Did she have a knife last night? >> I don't even remember. Last night was something different. I was out on the couch. >> Were you drinking last night or anything? Or you had a couple beers? >> No, I was just I was just hanging out. >> So, you went over there and you walk her out. You say, "Hey, >> dang. Where's the water stealer?" >> Okay. She got upset then. >> Yeah. So, you got to defend yourself. Somebody's trying to kill you. >> Did she come at you with the knife? >> Yeah. >> How'd she come at you with the knife? >> She freaking got up and she was right there in the bed. And I'm like, you know, screw this crap. She tried cutting me crap and she never did. >> Show me Show me her actions. Like, show me how she did the way she did >> like that. She tried coming at me and I was like, >> "Was she is she in a sound sleep?" >> No, she woke up and I was like, "Are you freaking crazy?" >> Because you asked her for some water sealer. >> Yeah. No, she just didn't want me there, you know. >> Did she tell you to leave? >> No, she just went nuts and she's like, "I know you." I'm like, "Fuck am I going to do?" >> What did you do then? I would just defended myself. >> How'd you defend yourself? >> I had to do what I had to do, you know? I mean, what am I going to do? Let somebody kill me? >> Listen, where you understand that? >> I'm trying to understand it. There's a big story. There's pieces of the puzzle missing. And that's why I'm trying to give you opportunity to tell me what happened. So, you're telling me that she came at you with a knife. >> Yeah. She was up and down and it was it was crazy. Yeah. I mean, you know, how did you defend yourself? >> I had to get something. I mean, you know, >> I understand. Okay. And how did you defend yourself? >> I had to freaking hit the the knife out and then it didn't work. And I was just like, then she kept we were fighting on it and everything. And >> how did you get the bat? >> It was just right there, you know. >> Where was it at in the room? >> It was right next to there cuz that's usually where >> But that's where I'm trying you. Only you were in the room with her. You and her. So where is this bat coming to play? Where's the bat laying? >> It was right next to her. That's usually what she gets to if somebody comes in the house and everything. And >> do you worry about people coming in the house? >> Everybody does. Yeah. I mean the doors unlocked all the time, you know. It's just >> Okay. So the bat's right there next to the bed. Is that what you're telling us? >> Yeah. >> Near the headboard or near the foot near the TV stand. >> Just right next right next to her, which she always likes it. And it's just like >> So you So you were able to grab it. >> Yeah. just like, "Why are you going to do this to me?" I She had a bunch of knives. It just like It was like crazy, you know? [snorts] Just like >> Did you try and hit the knife out her hand? >> It didn't work, dude. >> Did you try? >> Yeah, but it didn't work. >> Well, I didn't know where it would happen. >> She just kept trying to stab me. >> Were you able to hit her hand? Hit >> No, I wasn't. I just It was It was all just mixed up, man. So, you weren't able to knock the knife try and you swing the bat at her hand? >> No, it was just it was all messed up. >> Perhaps Nick's story makes sense in his half- drunk mind, but to anyone stuck listening, it makes absolutely zero. So, after having a day in county jail to sober up, he sits down with detectives to retell his story. And now that Nick's in the mood to talk, they'll find that some key details are now drastically different. >> How you feeling today? >> Not too good. What do you mean? >> I just hardly sleep and everything. You know, I'm just >> Yeah, that's why we're coming talk to you now that you know you're not on alcohol and drugs. >> Maybe you look more clearheaded. >> You look clearheaded. You look different. >> Yeah, I just >> You didn't get any sleep. Oh, you did? >> A little bit different. I just I know >> you're even talking clear now. That's good, man. >> Yeah. Um I I know no one's I mean I tried for some stupid reason calling my dad. >> No. >> No man. >> Well, it didn't take to call or didn't go through. >> Oh, he wouldn't accept it. Of course. >> I'm sorry about that, man. Um, you feel better? Did you got a headache or something or you just just feel horrible about? >> Yeah, I do feel horrible. >> All right. How you feeling medically, though? You got a hangover? >> No, not really. I just like I just saying I just got the my I've had the ring in my ears and uh had a couple concussions here and there and you know blackout and stuff and I'm all right now. You know, it's just I should have stayed on that when I was on it um medication my doctor had me on cuz I was on that and then I was on Xanax at one time for depression and crap, bipolar, all that stuff. >> Mhm. >> All right, man. Well, we want to talk to you now. So Nicholas, basically, you know, we understand that yesterday was a little hectic and >> you know, you you had a couple be errors and stuff, so now you're a little bit more of a clearheaded and you know, we know you're a smart person. We we can tell that. Um, however, there's a few questions that we just need clarification on. Um, as far as you know, your relationship with your wife, I mean, you were having a lot of issues lately or what was the big thing that actually you think that push you guys to where you were? I mean, did something happen over the weekend? It, you know, what can you tell us? >> Well, we just went out and everything and then >> Mhm. After we got back, she was pushing me around and everything about cuz we went out just had a couple >> drinks together and uh people there were she thought I was being goofy or something and then so I was worried then and I started and so I went in the other room. >> Mhm. afterwards and I just have been able to sleep with her. You know, I've been back and forth. >> What day was that? You guys go out for Mother's Day. You doing it? >> Yeah, that's was I think that was Mother's Day the day before. >> Mhm. >> What are you saying? Where'd you go out? Where happened at? >> Oh, nothing. I mean, nothing wrong. >> No, no. You say you're going I'm just trying to be detailed with us so we can understand like we'd like to understand the whole story. Were you at least or you >> No, we were at Joe's. >> It's a bearded clam. And then uh >> Bearded Clam. >> Yeah. >> And where when is this? >> I think it was last uh Friday or Saturday or something like that. Mother's Day. Saturday. Might have been Saturday. >> I think Sunday. Okay. So, it might have been Mother's Day. >> Saturday, I believe. >> Mhm. >> And then uh we were there and then we went to uh what we plan. And then >> banana factory. That's right. Down number 41. >> Yeah. >> Okay. [snorts] >> What happened to Barry Clap? What do you mean though? She was >> I just It was just And it wasn't No, we It wasn't us. It was like there was stuff [clears throat] just starting here and there about >> Help us understand cuz we're not with you too. We're We're not there, man. >> I understand. Was this was it like she she accused you of cheating or something or she >> was you looking at a waitress and she thought >> No, no, it wasn't it wasn't nothing nothing that bad. >> I mean this one well this one guy was starting this one girl was starting with me here and there, >> but it wasn't too bad. >> Mhm. And then uh I mean that was that was really fine but then she came home you know and then it was because she had hit the fan and I had to just I had to get out go to the other room go outside and all that stuff. >> Mhm. >> Sleep there. >> You say [ __ ] at the fan. What do you mean? just, you know, she was wanting to start beating on me and stuff and all that and I don't want to put for that, you know. >> Now, what day is this? Is this still Saturday night or not? >> It would have been Sunday morning. >> Sunday morning. >> All right. So, how was your Sunday then? >> Oh, Sunday. It was Sunday was fine. >> Did you get her anything for Mother's Day? >> Yeah, I got her some flowers. Okay. All right. Well, um, take us through Monday, Tuesday. How was How was it? Monday, Tuesday. >> Monday was all right. I mean, she's kind of gets a little pissed off cuz I got yards that I helped mow here and there. >> Mhm. >> You know, that I wasn't mowing them. >> I was being lazy. >> She gets on my case about that a lot. >> So, she was nagging you about that. >> Yeah. I mean like I say money things and stuff like that you know it's just and then Tuesday which is today or no yesterday that's just simple you know simple thing you know just [sighs and gasps] asked her where it was and then I didn't know you know >> what she was going to do. I mean, I didn't know what >> she was. What was he asked to where what was >> the water sealer, you know, and then I would just pretty much like um you know, where's where's Paul? And then I don't know if she get I don't know if she gets pissed off. I mean, she seems to be getting along with him pretty good here and there, you know, but I don't know something changed in her head or what. >> Based on these detectives shared expressions, they're most likely thinking the same thing. Nick's complaining more about his murdered wife nagging him than mourning her death. So, while a troubled marriage is the most obvious motive, Nick's defense is insane because he'll claim he was only trying to protect himself from a crazy woman who was trying to kill him. >> Nicholas, let's rewind that a little bit. I mean, so let's finish on Monday. So, Monday, she's nagging at you because you you haven't cut out the thing and she's calling you lazy and stuff, right? >> Mhm. talk us through Monday night. So that's going on the whole day. She's pissing you off >> when I came when I came home. >> When you came home. So now you're talking about after work at >> night. Yeah. You stay at night. A lot of it happens in the in the bedroom. You know, she don't want >> Mhm. [clears throat] >> us arguing, you know. >> So that night in >> front of the kids. >> That night you guys are arguing about the the thing and she's nagging at you and she doesn't let go, calling you lacy. So is that pissing you off? Okay. So, how you guys end up the night? You guys argue or what? Tell us. We need We weren't there. Don't >> Yeah, we were just arguing then I I had to get out of there, too, you know. I had to leave the room. >> Mhm. >> You know, >> so where where did you sleep that night? >> Um I was walking around back and forth. Sometimes I go out to the back. We got a back room. >> Mhm. Do you had a couple mirrors in or what >> did you >> I might have. >> Who's in the Who sleeps in the back room? I thought >> uh Paul does. Yeah. >> Did you Was Paul there when you were sleeping there? >> Um I don't know. I think he he might have been cuz he's usually there every night staying there. I mean, this was late. It was like I don't remember 2 or 3 in the morning or something, you know. Are >> you Are you just mad right now? Just blowing steam up. What's Why are you walking around? Yeah, I'm not. >> What were you thinking? >> I'm not like I was saying, I just don't I couldn't take it anymore. >> Okay. >> Being being around that. It was just It was just me, though. I mean, she wasn't like that to the kids or nothing, you know, and >> couldn't take what? just to the threats and verbal abuses and stuff and I should have handled it differently, >> you know, >> what kind of threats >> like those like death threats, you know. >> No, you have to tell us. >> So, she's killed. She said she'd tell me she'd kill me and stuff, you know. So, I'm just Nicholas, how does that make you feel? And when I tell her, you know, I know, you know, how does that make you feel? the constant nagging, the uh calling you names and all that. How does that make you feel >> makes you feel degraded, you know, not good? And I just I think was happening is I was trying >> to do good so bad. >> Mhm. >> That I burnt myself out and you know, I just couldn't >> because you were just stressed out. >> Yes. And I couldn't. And then I didn't know, you know, if she was stressed out, if she was going to >> Do you feel like you reached your limit? >> Yeah. With uh Ann and I just, you know, if I don't know if she was going to come at me or or what. >> But Nicholas, you were thinking at that time though that I mean, you just had enough. I mean, every man hits a breaking point. We can see how nagging for years, 15, 16, 17 years, can take a toll, man. You're you're a working man, never been in trouble. We know that. Okay. We know that. We check your background. You're trying to do the right thing. You're providing for your kids. They had a house. >> They had toys. >> They had toys. They have food. >> Kids provide for food. >> You're working for them. We can see how that nagging, that constant belittling you, that can take a toll. We're human. You know, I'm sure that at that time you were thinking, "Holy crap, I reached my limit." You weren't thinking about, "Oh, is she going to come at me and kill me or is she going to come at me and hurt me?" You're a man. Look how big you are. Compared to her, I'm sure you were thinking, "Holy crap, this is just I don't know what to do. Look at this man. I tried to do the right thing for so long. All I wanted to do was work. >> Correct. >> Both of it played a factor. >> Mhm. >> The detectives perform a master class in empathizing with their suspect, and it'll soon pay off in dividends. Because while Nick may be cy with the details so far, they're slowly building him a permission structure for a full confession. And as he gets into the events of that fateful morning, they get closer and closer to making that happen. >> Take us into Tuesday morning. [snorts] >> Um, I just went to work and then uh before that time you go to work. >> Uh, I think I left at like 7. >> 7 a.m. Yeah. >> Were your kids gone or are they still there? >> Uh, they were still there. >> Were [snorts] they up? >> Was going to school. >> That's the older one. >> Yes. Did you get a chance to talk to him? >> Uh, I just I just saw him off to the bus stop right across the street. >> These are both your kids, right? >> Yes. Your children. >> Mhm. >> Okay. Where's Where's the little one at? >> He's still sleeping. He goes to school later. >> Who gets him up? >> Um, Alisa does. >> Okay. She's your wife. >> Yes, >> your wife does. Okay. So you you school and you help me from there. Then you leave for work. >> Mhm. >> Okay. What's what's going through your mind? >> Uh not so much at the time. And then like I said, I knew that I had to go I had made some deliveries and I knew I had to go get that water sealer for the post outside. So then I figured I'd stop by the house and see if I had some so I could save the company some money. And [snorts] >> Nicholas, your job is to deliver items, right? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> And then you work things up. >> Okay. At the shop. So like a maintenance person at that shop. Okay. >> All right. So So I said I was going to save I was going to save some money and get some water sealer there. I couldn't find any underwear and I was wondering where it was and where if Paul was there or you know what and he wasn't and where he went and >> why does Paul matter? >> Cuz he might have a paintbrush or a water seal or something. So then uh you know asked her she lost it. I mean that's Who lost it? You or her? Cuz you we know she did it first. >> Okay. Okay. So, you're saying she did it first, then you lost it. I mean, that like we were talking before, was that the last drop? You absolutely couldn't take it anymore. >> It was, like I said, it was between that and, you know, all the other Yeah. Let me tell you something. Let me tell you something. >> If you sit here and just tell us the truth straight out, you don't ever have ever think about it again because the truth won't change. >> Mhm. >> You follow me? I know I can see it in you, your actions, your body, your demeanor. I know you want to make things different. >> Yes, I do. >> Okay, let me talk to you. Let me So you can understand what I'm trying to grasp at you. I want you to take a grasp of this. I know you want to make things different or wish things would have went different. >> Yes. >> But you can't change what happened. Okay? You have to take hold of that and get the monkey off your back and say it step by step what happened, the truth. Because you've said a few things that keep getting twisted and tangled and you can't go back and say it because you you can't you'll remember the truth, but you're not going to remember what you told that wasn't that wasn't true. Well, we'll remember that. and we were going to untangle it. So, when you just tell us the truth straight out, what happened? >> I know it's obvious that you guys got >> I mean, everything's >> Mhm. >> Everything's there, >> but we want your side of the story. We want to know what happened to you. We want to know why you flipped. And so, we're trying to understand. We're not in your head. We're not We weren't there. And we're here. >> We need your story. What What would make you What would make you do something like this? And that's what Detective is trying to get out of you. trying to get get you understand instead of you just sit down, take a few deep breaths. We're rocking. You look us and tell us this is what happened. This is what I did. We know we know you didn't mean to do it. You didn't want to do that. We know you flipped. We know you he said it. You hit your breaking point. >> Mhm. >> That was it. >> Okay. Start again from when you came home. Try not to leave some of the crucial stuff out. Some of the stuff you don't even want to talk about. We only make you talk about it once and then we won't go back there. I, like I said, I went to get the water sealer >> and asked about Paul. >> And that's when you have to say it and say what she said. You have to say the conversation piece by piece. Just step through it step by step. Take a few deep breaths. If you have to stop, if you take an understanding of what you did, you won't, you know, you'll be able to say it. you'll be able to speak it and and get that monkey off your back. It's not going to go away, but you will have to tell the truth. Stop thinking about ways to change it. It won't make it any better. It just keeps getting that ball of lies. >> You keep getting bigger and eventually you can't untangle it because you don't know what you said before. >> Well, it's obvious that I did it. >> Mhm. >> We wouldn't be here right now. And that's why that's why we came back because we don't think you're a bad guy. We just think you hit a breaking point. >> Mhm. >> And we're all human. We may make [snorts] mistakes. No one is here telling you that that's impossible. That you nagged the [ __ ] out of you, that you couldn't take it anymore, that you hit your breaking point. You were a straight guy before, a working man. You were not there. So what if you had a an alcohol and drug? You're not perfect. Okay? I mean, that's why people make mistakes. That doesn't make you a criminal. >> All right. >> Right. >> And and and we understand that. We know that something happened. Something very serious happened. We know that. We're trying to determine why. There's a lot. Like Detective Levida told you yesterday, we have a whole bunch of pieces of the puzzle. We're now putting it together. Now, we're talking to you a day later. We got a lot of that in place. We can see the the whole picture now. We're starting to see the picture. around about 75% of it yesterday. >> We could tell that you were trying to cut. There's things you didn't want. There's areas you didn't want to go back to. You didn't want you didn't want to talk about. I think you know it. I just like I said obviously I shouldn't have done it and I should have stopped. Nick's finally made the confession that detectives need, but it isn't the full one they want. And now that they've got Nick on a roll, they'll keep him talking until every detail of Alisa's death is on the record. So, while he'll conveniently claim to have been blacked out at the time, there's still a lot he seems to remember. And those bits and pieces of memory keep getting more gruesome by the second. >> I want the condition of your wife when you hit her. >> I just I just I I just blacked out. I didn't even >> look at me for a second, man. >> That's exactly I was just I was so frustrated that I just didn't even >> I didn't even look and then I would just like and I >> Okay, I had my eyes like that. My eyes were closed. I was blacked out. I was >> You were so angry. >> Trembling. >> Mhm. >> Okay. You were so angry. You were mad. And and you said it, Nicholas. I'm sorry. You said it. You got so frustrated. We can relate to that frustration. I mean, you hit the limit. That's it. >> What was your wife doing when you struck her the first time? And be honest about this this time. >> When she >> when she struck her for the first time in the bat, what was she doing? I didn't even >> I didn't even hear anything cuz I closed my eyes. I didn't know. [sighs] >> Where do you get the bat? You just went and grabbed the bat and you're like, "Man, I can't take it anymore. I, you know, anger just took the best of you or what? You get the bat from your you kids?" I saw I mean I was there and then >> cuz I got right like this close and I saw that and then it was right there and I was like >> I didn't know you know what I mean what what she was going to do. >> So you got the bat just in case somebody told >> and then I just freaked out cuz I thought she >> Huh? >> When did you buy the bat? >> I don't I think I've had that thing for a while. >> Still had rappers on it like it was brand new. Yeah, I've had it for a little while. >> Whose bat was it? >> It's just the one we keep in there. >> She's got one, too. In case somebody comes in, >> she keeps one on her side. I used to keep one on my side, but kids ran off with that one or went out in the back room. >> Is your wife sleeping when you hit her? >> She was. She did wake up. Let me go through this one more time. You can tell >> she was awake >> when you hit her. >> Yes. And that's when she was awake. >> I closed my eyes cuz she was talking. >> Just she was like, you know, >> she wasn't looking at you, was she? >> I at the time she was getting ready to turn. >> Okay. >> At me. >> Okay. >> You know, >> but she was laying face down. That might have afterwards I might have went that way. >> Think clearly. Take yourself back there for only a few moments. Okay. >> She might have moved around when I hit her >> or something or if I >> moved her or something. I remember. But I I trembled. I was >> Mhm. >> frustrating. >> Like I said, my eyes my eyes weren't even open. I just >> Do you think that after the first hit she probably was shaking because she might have been a seizure? >> I don't know. I I didn't even I didn't even know. I just just was like And then I just >> How many times do you think you hit her? >> More than once. I didn't count or nothing. But >> you think it was two? You think it was three? >> Oh, I don't know. Possibly two or three. Something like that. >> Did you realize what you did? You you did it that time and covered her with a pillow. Yeah, I just threw the I freaked out and then >> put a pillow overhead. >> Then I left. >> I think I did. I I like I said, I was I just moved stuff and went and then >> What' you do with the bat? >> It was right there. I just, you know. >> Okay. When you dropped the bat, >> what' you do? >> Um, I just left after I want you to be completely honest. But >> I changed my clothes. >> Mhm. >> See how easy? I mean, look, I want I want to show you something. How you did that just now? Yeah. All right. I changed my clothes cuz you just said something that was a truth that you didn't think we already knew. >> I know you guys already know cuz you went through the whole house. >> But I needed you to start being honest with me. >> Mhm. >> Because that shows that you're you're an honest man. You feel some remorse. >> I do. >> Okay. And that's what we're getting at. We're not mad at you. We're just trying to shake. It's just I had something to >> Now you're like that monkeyy's off your back. We already knew about the clothes. >> Nicholas, you you're sitting there and we're on this side, but you haven't said anything that a normal person could not relate with you. Look at what you're telling us. You were frustrated. You hit her more than once. Yeah. She was not awake. She was asleep face down. You hit it. Were you taking your anger? Don't you think that you were like, "Holy crap." You couldn't believe it. When you realize what was done, look at what you tell us. Oh my gosh. What have I done? You cover it up, which is normal. >> It's normal. You're not doing anything that somebody's going to say, "Holy," >> you know, you you come too. You're like, "Oh, shoot." Okay, we know that you change your clothes. Okay, you got there. What'd you do when you change your clothes? >> I just went back and worked. >> But before that, you realized >> there's something else we know. And I need you to come to the truth and start telling the truth. >> Oh, when I went to the bar? >> No, in the house. We're still at the house. Nicholas did the [ __ ] hit the fan and something went wrong right at that point you were like, "Oh my gosh, I went too far." Or something along those lines. I mean, tell us correctly if we're >> I mean, I changed my clothes and that's when I went to Home Depot. >> No, no, no. We're still in the house. Tell us, Nicholas, what you did. Okay, we understand. Just like Detective Lita told you, the truth, the truth comes out. Okay? You realize, "Holy [ __ ] I've done something wrong. I didn't mean to." Whatever the case was going through your your head. And at that point, you said, "I need I >> I need something to validate what happened. I need something that can I can put in my head and say, "Okay, I did this because of that." What you do? We already know, Nicholas. So, there's no point on denying minimizing it. Okay. All I'm going to tell you, I changed my clothes and then I went out the back door and got in the truck. That is what I remember doing. >> Okay. Which truck did you get into? >> The work truck. >> Detectives now know how Nick bludgeoned his wife, but the staging of the scene with the knife is still a mystery. Strangely enough, it's the one detail he'll still be hesitant to discuss. And this sudden lack of cooperation causes detectives to lose their patience. Because even though Nick spilled plenty, when it comes to some crucial facts, he's still holding back. >> What you do with the knives, Nicholas? We're going to stop hitting her around the bush. You grab a knife and you put it on her. >> I don't remember grabbing a knife. >> Okay. You remember throwing a knife near her? What do you remember, Nicholas? The knife didn't get there by itself. Okay, we know that. and listen to us. We Nicholas, listen to us. We went through the scene like you told, like you know, we went through the house. Okay. Not only that, we went with the medical examiner. That's her whole job to examine victims and stuff like that. That's all we do. We can tell it's not our first. >> Your change of clothes had her blood and hair all over it. Okay. You messed with her hand and head. Okay. I'm we're trying to give you a chance to tell us why what you were thinking. >> I was obviously thinking I shouldn't have done that. >> Okay. >> That was why I reacted with with all of it. >> Okay. And you panic. Did you panic? >> Did you think, "Holy [ __ ] now I have to go try to make this less. Maybe I'll put a knife and and come out with this." Is that what happened? Take another deep breath. When you when you get it off, you go like, >> possibly. >> It's not possible. You knew you knew the knife yesterday. You told us you you knew >> what kind of knife it [clears throat] was. >> You knew what knife it was. >> I got you. >> And I didn't even tell you. And I didn't even know. >> Oh, he Yep. He said it. So [snorts] >> So you did that because you panicked. You put the knife there cuz you were like you realized you came too. Why did you place a knife in her hand? I want you to I'm not I I want you to answer. I'm kind of tired of giving you the answers. Why did you put a knife in her hand? What was What were you thinking I was going to do? Where'd you go to get the knife? >> Oh, I can give you the answer. I just don't want to give it to you. I'd rather get the monkey off your back. Let you tell me the truth. >> What? In the kitchen. >> Where'd you get the knife, man? >> I think it was from there. >> Okay. What was your motive for that? What would that change? What would that What are you thinking for the next few hours? What's going through your mind for the next few hours? It's all over. What about your voice? What about your boys, Nick? >> This is the first mention of Nick's two sons in the interview so far, and it's not him who does it. But when the detective does, his reaction tells us everything we need to know about his priorities, because it's obvious that for Nick, how his actions would affect his children was an afterthought, if it was a thought at all. So after a break, he decides it may be a good idea to show his softer side and actually ask how they're doing. But unfortunately for him, it's too little too late. And what the detective really wants to talk about anyway is the bat and why exactly he bought it. >> He'll be all right. >> What's that? >> I said something all right. >> You're there with family. We both have family and time. >> Yep. >> I believe they want they want to talk to you. I appreciate your truth when I sign. There's some you you can get that stuff off your back now, but there's a [snorts] few more things we have to cover. Okay. And it's going to be the bat cuz we're running your credit cards to stores. Where'd you buy the bat at? >> Walmart. >> H >> Walmart. >> When did you buy the bat? >> I don't know. It's a couple weeks ago or something. >> Bought at Walmart a couple weeks ago, >> I think. So, >> why? >> Just to have it. Are you sure about the time frame when you bought the bat? >> I don't quite remember exactly the date. >> Do you buy that bat to beat your wife with? >> Not originally. It was there for the cuz we didn't have the other one in case somebody came in. Why would somebody want to come in your house? >> I don't know. I've had nightmares about that, too. I used to wake up and freak out about them coming in. >> Okay, we'll verify that then. Which Walmart? >> Uh, was the one on Cortez, I think. >> You buy cash or credit card or >> I don't remember. Was cash or credit. All right. What bar did you go to to have a few few beers? >> Uh, like I said, Papa Joe's. >> You talked to the bartender there? >> Uh, just just about um her whatever mulling yards or whatever, you know, here and there. >> You already familiar with what you did? >> I didn't tell her. Did anybody realize that something was wrong with you? >> No, not really. Well, maybe uh >> I stopped by and talked to Doug. [screaming] >> I think he was there. >> Doug. Um, >> I don't remember his last name. >> Did you tell Doug what happened? >> No, I didn't tell anybody anything. >> When you left the bar, what' you do? >> When I left the bar, I just went back to the shop. And that's um after lunch [snorts] that's when Kevin came out and told me there's a medical mer with your wife. >> What' you tell Kevin when he told you that? >> I just left. >> Are you thinking did this cross your mind or were you going to try and pass it off that somebody broke into your house and killed your wife? >> [sighs] >> I wasn't >> What's that? >> I wasn't really thinking at all. I just I I flipped out. That's why I went on that bump beater and I reacted like I did when I got there. As you know, I mean, you probably already heard it and >> I was with you. I never left. I lose you all day. >> Yeah. >> Um >> what you the shirt you're wearing? >> Oh, the red one or whatever >> when you did this. Would you the shirt you're wearing? >> Um >> you only talked about the shorts cuz I'm going to go over it beside him, too. >> I think I just threw it took it off and threw it in the ground. What' you clean your hands with? >> I don't even think I did clean my hands. >> Maybe with that. I don't I don't >> maybe the washing washer room washing machine >> possibly. >> Want me to help you? >> Yeah, you you already got it all panned. >> Why? Why didn't you just spit it out and tell me the first time? Why do I got to keep It's like I'm pulling teeth, man. >> I don't want to pull your teeth. What' you do with the shirt you were wearing? Start over one I had on. >> Mhm. >> Yeah. >> I took it off >> at the house. I'm pretty sure I was in the house when I took it off. >> Where'd you put it? >> It was either in the bedroom or out there. wanted to. >> What did you do? Where did you take your shorts off at? >> Uh, I believe that was by the launch room. >> This before you left? >> Yeah. >> The rag that you wiped yourself with? >> I think that was out there, too. Laundry. >> So, you think you dumped your shirt in the bedroom where where your wife was? >> I might have. I don't remember exactly where I put my shirt or my glasses or >> but you're thinking really >> where'd you get the new clothes to put on. >> Um somewhere around there. >> And the shoes you're wearing? >> They're out there. My boots. >> H >> my boots. >> Mhm. I think they're all in the back room. >> The back room. >> You change boots, too? >> No, same boots. >> So, you put your boots back on. >> Did you try and put them with with fall stuff, button stuff? >> You were size 13, don't you? >> Uh, yeah. Okay. What's up, man? >> The um the bat we >> Oh, he says he bought it. When did you say you bought the B? >> Maybe a couple weeks ago or something like that. >> Where at? You know, >> Walmart State >> over 29 291 301 and 70. >> Yeah. You didn't buy the bat Monday or Tuesday morning. >> Would you have been yesterday or or the day before? [clears throat] >> No, >> I didn't I didn't it this I didn't just do it. I didn't I didn't really plan >> Mhm. >> on having to do this. I just was so >> [sighs and gasps] >> with stress and everything and not asking for help and trying to take care of everything myself >> and do all this stuff and then, you know, getting trying to kind of like self-medicate myself with, you know, having a beer after work or whatever, you know, to to bring it down. And then I went through a depression where I just started drinking a lot and then uh >> how about there? >> So the blues the the drugs >> that was a while back when I've taken those. >> You didn't take any recently? >> No, not that I could think of. >> You weren't abusing pills. >> I had a while back. I had a spell here and there. Nick seems to think being stressed out is an excuse to murder his wife, but detectives aren't buying it. So, as the interview comes to a close, they still want to know one thing. What really led him to brutally murder Alisa and destroy his son's lives forever? >> Nicholas, so you know what happened. We know what happened. Everybody in this room knows what happened. So why [snorts] why do you think you'd kill your wife? Why? >> Like I said, because of that I was just you walked in there sleeping. You you pick up a bat, you whack her, go get nice. I mean, why did you do this? What it what? Because at some point you get to your house and you know what you're going to do. Why? You know no one's there. That's well you can open the door for us. Why? >> Frustration. >> That's it. >> Your boys your down the road your boys are going to talk to you and they're going to say, "Dad, why?" >> And you're if you told us the truth, you you'll be able to tell them down the road 12:15, you'll be able to tell them the truth, too. It won't change. So, why did you go to the house, kill your wife, and do everything? You didn't leave. >> Like I said, it was frustration. I should have got help. I never did. And I lost my mind. >> And I just, like I say, I couldn't I [clears throat] couldn't take that part either, you know, about >> about what >> about just arguing all the time. And I didn't know eventually what she was going to end up doing [clears throat] to me. Why I did that with the nice things too was, you know, >> you have anything else? Anything that you think we need to know? >> Anything you think? Yeah, cuz when we leave, anything you want up your back that you're going to be let some of the stress out of your head, let some of that spinning I don't even know why my family would want to talk to me cuz I mean they're I don't think they're going to help me. >> You don't know why who would want to talk to you? >> My family said they want to talk to me. >> They probably don't right now, but they will. Especially your boys. That's why I said they want to talk to your boys. 15-y old smart kid, man. >> I know. Mhm. >> He's not little more. Just your little one. Just little. You don't understand yet. >> All they want is mommy. And that's what we we can't do anything about that. >> Is he mama's boy? >> Yep. And my oldest one was pretty much my kid. tell you what you do, man. You just when you're ready, write them a letter cuz you do love them. They weren't there. You knew you knew you knew when they weren't going to be there. You didn't want them to see this or or have to walk home to this. I believe that you're smart enough to know that. And not for one second do I believe that you don't love your kids. >> I do. >> You said that. >> I never even your voice. >> I never even hated my wife. >> Mhm. >> You know, I think thing was is I hated myself because of what I was doing. just because [sighs] I was just getting all so let's say it >> trying to get all caught up with everything and >> Mhm. I mean, at one time I was like, you know, everybody in the neighbor I mean it's definitely not normal. >> Mhm. >> You know, and [sighs] >> you let somebody down. You let yourself down. You let somebody down. >> I've let too many people down that I've never I've never done that before, you know. >> I've never known to let people down. >> Are you broke? >> No, I'm not broke. You You're behind in your bills. >> No, >> I'm just fine. I just I'm just letting you talk. I mean, this point, you know, >> you tell us what's on your mind, man. >> Do you feel better now that you think that, you know, you [snorts] were able to tell us your side of the story? I mean, is that, you know, you're not lying anymore? You're not lying to yourself? You're not lying to us? >> No. Well, I had to I had to answer the question. I answered them and >> you're not going to feel better, but you just need to let some of that off your back. >> I don't feel good at all. And I know that >> Let me ask you this. >> More than likely, I won't be seeing anybody anymore cuz the road I'm going down is >> Let me ask you this. >> Are you remorseful for killing your wife? >> Yes, I am. I just I don't know. [clears throat] I know it's not natural for somebody not to cry. >> We're not We're not even saying that. >> I'm not judging you for that. >> I just >> I don't even know what that I don't even know why I'm not. >> But I am remorseful. >> We understand. We're not saying anything just cuz you're not crying and stuff. People grief in different ways. All right. We understand that. We see that. >> Stay still. I know you're grieving. You can't even stand still. >> Okay. But we're saying, you know, now that you finally told the truth, the truth is out. You know, we're not saying that we can't relate with somebody having >> she was still there >> and losing it. I mean, you're >> Why would you tell her if she was still here? >> I tell her I love her and I should never done that. >> Mhm. >> You know, exactly. I like I said, I should have got help and everything else down the road and [snorts] >> do you love her? >> Yes, I do love her. I've always loved her. I've never even told her that I hated her, my kids, or nothing. >> You got flowers on the on the counter at home? >> Yeah. >> You bought them for her? >> Yes. You loved her. I don't think you didn't love her. >> She love you. >> Well, >> if you don't think she didn't love you, you're going to say something. Have a good reason behind it. >> I guess so. She had I mean, you know, >> right? >> We're done. We just We're just talking. >> Well, Nicholas, you know, good luck. Um, Detective Levidia told you, if you have anything else, you know, just contact us. You can tell people here. [snorts] I got your voice right up. >> Hold on. Let me see. >> It's a good thing the detective wished Nick good luck because he was going to need it. Not that it did him any good in the end. Nicholas Hartman entered a plea of no contest to charges of seconddegree murder. He was found guilty and sentenced to 50 years in Florida State Prison. Thank you for watching today's video. 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