Papi Killed Mommy
Thirty-three years ago, on the night our mother was murdered, my little sister was only three years old. As police officers placed us in the back of a patrol car, she kept repeating the same heartbreaking words: "Papi killed Mommy." For the past year, you've followed me as I've fought to keep our mother's story alive. Together, we've uncovered evidence, shared long-forgotten interviews, spoken with investigators, met with the county attorney, attended CrimeCon, and watched a small podcast grow into something I never imagined possible. Thousands of people around the world now know my mother's...
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Episode 18: Live with Crime Weekly Three weeks ago, I was exhausted. After years of telling the same story, asking the same questions, and fighting the same battles, I was ready to walk away. I was frustrated, discouraged, and wondering whether anyone was really listening. Then CrimeCon happened. In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of my journey to Las Vegas for CrimeCon 2026, where I had the opportunity to join Crime Weekly Live alongside Stephanie Harlowe and Derek Levasseur to share my mother's story with a room full of people willing to listen. From forgetting my merchandise bag...
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It’s been 36 days since the last episode of Papi Killed Mommy. Lots to fill you in on. In this episode, I sit down and talk openly about burnout, obsession, grief, media attention, CrimeCon Vegas, and the emotional reality of spending five years living inside my mother’s homicide case every single day. Over the last few months, my mom’s case has received major media attention, including front-page local coverage, a national article from A&E, and now a brand-new feature from after a journalist discovered me through the CrimeCon Facebook community. We talk about what that...
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In this episode of Papi Killed Mommy, Nikki shares a major turning point in her mother Stephanie Wasilishin’s case — from national media recognition… to a shift in strategy… to one of the most personal decisions she’s made in 33 years. After being told there is no legal path forward without a confession, Nikki opens up about what the last month has actually looked like behind the scenes — the frustration, the burnout, and the moment everything changed. Because this episode marks something important: Momentum. 🎙️ Episode Highlights 📰 A&E Delivers — National Feature...
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Every time I sat down to write the script about what has happened in the last 30 days in my mom’s case, I got stuck. Angry. Frustrated. Completely overwhelmed. So this episode isn’t really written. Instead, I walked into the studio, turned on the microphone, and treated this the same way I treat my morning TikTok videos — like a vlog. Just sitting down and talking through everything that has happened. Because a lot has happened. In early February, true crime creator Stephanie Harlowe released a two-part deep dive into my mother’s case, focusing on the interrogations of Russell...
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In this episode of Papi Killed Mommy, Nikki shares jaw‑dropping real‑time developments in her mother Stephanie Wasilishin’s cold case — from viral TikTok traction, to national recognition, to major media momentum and strategic advocacy work that’s finally putting this case in front of the right eyes. This episode covers everything that’s happened in the last 35 days: documentary‑style updates, personal reflections, and exactly what has shifted since the last episode — including acknowledgment from major creators and outlets who’ve helped amplify Stephanie’s story. 🎙️...
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Papi Killed Mommy
⚠️ Trigger Warning This episode discusses domestic violence, homicide, trauma, panic attacks, and systemic failures in law enforcement and media. Listener discretion is advised. 🎧 Bonus Episode: Unraveling It’s been one week since I hit publish on Episode Twelve. One week since I said, “Season One is over.” And in that week — I’ve unraveled. I thought finishing would feel like relief. Like release. But it hasn’t. It’s felt like grief. Like failure. Like drowning. Because it’s the end, and still — no charges. No arrest. Nothing. Thirty-two years later, and it feels...
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Bonus: “Make Noise” — Melissa joins the mic In this special bonus episode, Nikki introduces Melissa—a fellow teacher, friend, and the new co-host helping carry Stacy’s story forward. Together, they lay out exactly how you can help: get the case in front of media, apply public pressure, sign the petition, contact officials, and send tips or cases for Season 2. What’s inside Why media pressure matters—and how even small platforms help A direct call for journalists, podcasters, YouTubers & bloggers to cover Stacy’s case Concrete actions: sign, call, email, share, and...
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Send us a text In this special bonus episode of Papi Killed Mommy, I share my very first CrimeCon experience — a three-day whirlwind in Denver that was emotional, overwhelming, and unforgettable. The journey started on the road: 900 miles, 14 hours, my best friend Melissa by my side, and my emotional support pup, Dickie Birdie, curled up in the backseat. Between reroutes, pouring rain, thick fog, and deer threatening to dart across the road, the drive was intense. We kept each other laughing ...
info_outlineBonus: “Make Noise” — Melissa joins the mic
In this special bonus episode, Nikki introduces Melissa—a fellow teacher, friend, and the new co-host helping carry Stacy’s story forward. Together, they lay out exactly how you can help: get the case in front of media, apply public pressure, sign the petition, contact officials, and send tips or cases for Season 2.
What’s inside
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Why media pressure matters—and how even small platforms help
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A direct call for journalists, podcasters, YouTubers & bloggers to cover Stacy’s case
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Concrete actions: sign, call, email, share, and submit tips
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Season 2: how to pitch cases involving DV, cold cases, or accountability gaps
Do something today
Share this story with media
If you know someone in press (local paper, college newsroom, blogger, podcaster, YouTuber—any size), send them this episode and ask them to cover Stacy’s case. If you are media, contact Nikki directly:
📧 papikilledmommy@gmail.com
Sign & share the petition
Add your name and pass it on. Every signature increases public pressure.
🔗 Petition: https://www.change.org/p/demand-a-complete-homicide-investigation-for-the-murder-of-stephanie-marie-wasilishin
Call / email officials
Ask for a full review and that the case be presented to a grand jury.
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Yavapai County Attorney’s Office
Prescott: (928) 771-3344 • Camp Verde: (928) 567-7717
Email: ycao@yavapaiaz.gov -
Sedona Police Department (Non-Emergency)
Main: (928) 282-3100 • Front Office: (928) 203-5002
Ask local media to cover it
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Sedona Red Rock News — Newsroom: (928) 282-7795 • editor@larsonnewspapers.com
Urge balanced, ongoing reporting and note that the community is watching.
Send a tip (or share a memory)
If you know anything about Stacy’s case—or knew her in Downers Grove, Phoenix, or Sedona—reach out. Anonymous tips welcomed.
📧 papikilledmommy@gmail.com
Social: @nicolewasilishin (TikTok/Instagram)
Season 2: Case submissions (open)
We’re collecting DV-related stories, cold cases, or cases with accountability gaps. Include names, dates/locations, a short timeline, links to articles/records, and your contact info.
📧 papikilledmommy@gmail.com
Support the show & community events
We’re keeping the GoFundMe open to fund booths/merch at school & community events (like the Fall Festival) so Stacy’s name reaches new people. Thank you for helping.
👉 GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/this-is-my-birthday-wish-help-me-bring-my-mothers-story-to
Dickie Birdie’s wish list is still active—stuffies & toys make his day.
👉 Amazon Wish List: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/49E74TM4J5D8?ref_=wl_share
DO A GOOD DEED SECTION:
This week has weighed heavy on me. After releasing today’s episode, I was contacted by someone who found a cat abandoned on her property. This poor kitty, Slim, has a broken front paw and needs surgery.When I clicked on her GoFundMe, I saw something that broke me even more: not a single donation. She’s trying to raise $1,400 to save his paw. She had only $25.I only had $50 left until payday — but I gave it, because I couldn’t stand seeing “$0 donated.” Whenever I’ve needed help, I’ve asked, and somehow the universe has answered. Today, I wanted to be part of that answer for her.She still has a long way to go, and I know what it’s like to feel helpless when an animal you love is suffering. If you feel called, please consider donating or sharing. Even $5 helps. Together, we can save Slim’s paw and give him the future he deserves.
GoFundMe link:
Sometimes kindness is the loudest revolution we can make.
Safety resources
If you or someone you know needs help: National Domestic Violence Hotline — 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). Call, text, or chat 24/7.
Credits — Host: Nikki Wasilishin • Co-Host: Melissa Field • Series: Papi Killed Mommy (Bonus)
Contact for media & tips: papikilledmommy@gmail.com