Nikki Entzel is accused of plotting Chad Entzel's death to continue a love affair and collect a life insurance payout. She is charged with conspiracy to commit murder, conspiracy to commit arson and conspiracy to tamper with physical evidence. Emergency workers found Chad Entzel's body when they responded to a call of a house fire in northeast Bismarck on Jan. 2, 2020. An autopsy showed that he had died of gunshot wounds. Nikkisue Entzel and a Canadian man, Earl Howard were accused in early 2020 of plotting the death of Chad Entzel, 42, and attempting to cover it up. Howard pleaded guilty to four felonies and was sentenced to 50 years in prison with 25 years suspended on the most serious charge of murder conspiracy. Howard will have to serve about 21 years before he's eligible for parole. He is due to give evidence in this trial.