Papi Killed Mommy

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.
🎙️ Episode Highlights
✨ Stephanie Harlowe True crime creator Stephanie Harlowe — YouTuber, podcaster, researcher, and co‑host of Crime Weekly — saw one of Nikki's TikToks and reached out. Stephanie has agreed to feature Stephanie Wasilishin's case on her YouTube channel, and she's currently reviewing case files and interrogation audio. This is a huge moment of visibility for a case that's stayed in the shadows for decades.
📺 Stephanie Harlowe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@stephanieharlowe

📱 Stephanie on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stephanieharlowe

📰 A&E Recognition – Mikey Brieaddy Cold cases influencer Mikey Brieaddy included Stephanie Wasilishin's case in an A&E Crime + Investigation article highlighting the "5 Cold Cases True Crime Influencer Mike Brieaddy Most Wants to See Solved" — a nod that puts national spotlight on this long‑overlooked story.
📰 Read the A&E article here: https://www.aetv.com/articles/the-5-cold-cases-true-crime-influencer-mike-brieaddy-most-wants-to-see-solved

📱 Mikey Brieaddy on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@makingatruecrimerer?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

📺 Mike's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@makingatruecrimerer

📂 Case Work & Advocacy
This episode goes deep into the ongoing legal and investigative push:
🔹 Civil rights packet sent to attorneys — documents, timelines, and evidence packaged and mailed to civil rights lawyers, searching for someone who will take this case seriously.
🔹 UPDATED Records requests — new case files and crime scene photos requested, including a quote being obtained for these records.
🔹 Upcoming meeting with Yavapai County Attorney's Office — February 27, 2026 — Nikki and her aunt are driving to Prescott to confront the long silence and demand answers about why years of inaction and inconsistency went unexplained.
💰 Support the Investigation & Story
Pushing for justice costs money. Your support directly helps with things like public records costs, travel, and storytelling infrastructure:
🔗 GoFundMe — Case files, crime scene photos & Prescott travel: https://gofund.me/7ad47648b
🔗 GoFundMe — Book ghostwriter fund: https://gofund.me/aa526e170
Every contribution helps keep this work going. And even if you can't donate — sharing, following, and engaging matters.
📱 Follow Nikki in Real Time
For the most up‑to‑date updates and behind‑the‑scenes advocacy: 👉 https://www.tiktok.com/@nicolewasilishin?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
📣 Call to Action
If you believe this cold case deserves accountability — especially given the inconsistencies and unanswered questions — you can respectfully reach out to the office now handling the investigation:
Yavapai County Attorney's Office 📍 Prescott, Arizona 📞 (928) 771‑3300 📧 [email protected]

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*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id= "request-WEB:7f02786a-70bf-4c16-8513-37dbca9fce2d-13" data-testid= "conversation-turn-28" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> After nearly two months of silence, Nikki returns.
In Episode 13 of Papi Killed Mommy, Nikki steps back behind the microphone to reflect on what happened after the end of Season One—and what it feels like when a story doesn't end with charges, arrests, or accountability.
This episode is an update, a reckoning, and a continuation.
Nikki walks listeners through the moment she believed her podcast had finally forced movement in her mother's 32-year-old homicide case—an August 28th email from the Yavapai County Attorney's Office stating that additional investigation had been requested from Sedona Police. She shares how that news followed her to CrimeCon, where she told anyone who would listen that the podcast was working… and how that same moment caught the attention of a reporter from The U.S. Sun.
What followed was familiar: silence, "no comment," and a story that ultimately never ran.
For the first time, Nikki details the ten-day stretch of unanswered emails to the Yavapai County Attorney's Office, the moment she switched from her personal email to the Papi Killed Mommy account, and the response she finally received on November 25th—brief, noncommittal, and once again leaving more questions than answers.
But this episode isn't only about institutional silence.
Just one day before that response, Nikki's local paper, the Cave Creek Carefree Independent, published the first mainstream print article about her mother's case since 2022. In this episode, Nikki reads the article in full and reflects on what responsible, thoughtful journalism looks like—and why being heard matters.
Cave Creek woman turns lifelong trauma into advocacy for murdered mother - NewsBreak
As Christmas approaches, Nikki reflects on memory, grief, and the weight of a 32nd holiday season without her mother. She shares newly restored home video from Christmas 1989, the moments that survive only on old VHS tapes, and how those stolen memories continue to fuel her fight.
Episode 13 also looks forward.
Nikki talks candidly about burnout, time, and the realities of advocating while working full-time. She shares how a recent conversation sparked the possibility of turning the podcast into a book, what comes next as her current studio contract nears its end, and why 2026 may mark a pivot toward civil litigation, documentary work, or both.
Finally, Nikki introduces Season Two—beginning with the case of Amber Haines, another domestic violence death with haunting parallels to her mother's story.
This episode contains discussions of domestic violence and homicide. Listener discretion is advised. As always, the individual discussed in this series is innocent until proven guilty. blah, blah, blah 
The story didn't end. The fight didn't stop. She's still here.
 
I'm Baaack...

⚠️ 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 like I failed her. Like I am falling apart while the system shrugs.
This episode isn't planned. It isn't polished. It's me trying to breathe. To talk about what Season One did to me — and why I can't walk away. Because this story isn't finished — and neither am I.
🎬 The Studio That Promised and Stalled
In February 2024, I signed with a production studio that said they believed in my mother's story. They promised to build a pitch deck, to sell it to a network, to bring her case to television.
I waited. I trusted. I delivered everything they asked for.
Twenty months later — nothing. No pitch. No sale. No cameras. Just the same excuse on repeat:
"It's hard to sell a story that doesn't have an ending."
Let me be clear: My mother doesn't have an ending because the people in charge refused to give her one. That's not a creative problem. That's a justice problem.
I was gaslit and dragged along for nearly two years while my mother's story sat in storage. But that ends soon.
In under 100 days, my contract expires. When it does, her story comes back to me.
And when that happens — I will take it anywhere that will listen. Filmmakers. Journalists. Documentary students. Networks. Anyone willing to give her truth the screen time it deserves.
Because if they won't build it, I will.
💔 How You Can Help Right Now
1️⃣ Say Her Name Say it out loud. Post it. Write it. 👉 Stacy Marie Wasilishin Make the algorithm learn it.
2️⃣ Ask for Accountability You have every right to request updates and clarity. Use your voice — respectfully, publicly, and on record.
Yavapai County Attorney's Office 📧 [email protected] 📞 (928) 771-3344 ✉️ 255 E Gurley St, Prescott, AZ 86301
Sedona Police Department 📧 [email protected] 📞 (928) 282-3100
Ask clearly:
"Why was the death of Stacy Wasilishin closed without charges, and has the case been reviewed since 2020?"
Red Rock News (Larson Newspapers) 📧 [email protected]
"The narrative matters. Accuracy matters. Words shape cases."
Ask them why they aren't covering this story now that it's being publicly revisited by her daughter.
3️⃣ Sign & Share the Petition 🖋️ Justice for Stacy Marie Wasilishin — Change.org https://www.change.org/p/justice-for-stacy-marie-wasilishin Every signature proves people are paying attention.
4️⃣ Stream & Share Season One Every play counts as proof that this story matters. 🎧 Apple Podcasts | Spotify 
5️⃣ Follow and Amplify TikTok → @nicolewasilishin Instagram → @nicolewasilishin Share the clips. Tag the outlets. Keep the momentum alive.
6️⃣ Support the Mission 🛒 Amazon Equipment Wishlist → https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/49E74TM4J5D8 💰 GoFundMe for Merch & Travel → https://www.gofundme.com/f/this-is-my-birthday-wish-help-me-bring-my-mothers-story-to
These links keep the merch table stocked, the equipment running, and the advocacy alive. Every magnet, every mic cable, every sticker = one more chance to say her name in public.
If you work in film, journalism, investigative audio, or documentary production — or know someone who does — contact me directly: 📧 [email protected]
When the countdown hits zero, I'm walking this story into the light.
💜 Domestic Violence Is an Epidemic 1 in 3 women will experience domestic violence in their lifetime. The risk of homicide rises 75% when a woman tries to leave.
If this episode brings something up for you, please reach out:
National Domestic Violence Hotline 📞 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) 💬 Text START to 88788 🌐 www.thehotline.org
You are not alone. You deserve to be safe.
🕯️ Final Words
This show was built from grief, drywall dust, and a daughter's refusal to accept silence. It was recorded in panic and purpose. It was made by hand, by heart, by sheer stubborn love.
Season One may be complete, but the fight is not.
Because silence is not peace. Because failure is not the end. Because I am still here.
My name is Nikki Wasilishin. I am the daughter of a murdered woman. And this — this is me Unraveling.

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 submit tips

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: 📧 [email protected]
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.
Yavapai County Attorney's Office Prescott: (928) 771-3344 • Camp Verde: (928) 567-7717 Email: [email protected]

Sedona Police Department (Non-Emergency) Main: (928) 282-3100 • Front Office: (928) 203-5002

Ask local media to cover it
Sedona Red Rock News — Newsroom: (928) 282-7795 • [email protected] 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. 📧 [email protected] 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. 📧 [email protected]
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: 
https://gofund.me/e8245f703
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: [email protected]

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 and passed the time listening to hours of Crime Weekly. By the time we rolled into Denver at 3:00 a.m., I was exhausted but ready.
Nothing could have prepared me for the emotions of walking into the convention hall the next morning. Within minutes, I spotted Sherrilyn Dale — one of the first creators to cover my mom's story, and someone who had donated to help get me to CrimeCon. I burst into tears. Suddenly I was surrounded by people who had spoken my mom's name out loud, who had amplified her story on their platforms.
The rest of the weekend felt surreal. Podcasters I'd admired from afar — Generation Why, Killer Queens, Crime Salad, Moms & Mysteries, Navigating Advocacy — all stopped by. Media giants like Court TV, Dateline, and Law and Crime were everywhere. But the most powerful part wasn't the "big names." It was the listeners, survivors, families, and advocates who came to my booth, looked me in the eye, and told me they cared about my mom's story.
CrimeCon also forced me to face a big decision. A company approached me about monetizing my podcast. At first, I resisted — I've always been afraid of looking like I was profiting from my mom's death. But after conversations with other creators and advocates, I realized this isn't about profit. It's about sustainability. If I want to keep sharing my mom's story, traveling to events, and building this platform, I can't keep relying only on my listeners to carry the financial burden. So, I've decided to monetize the rest of Season One and all of Season Two — not for me, but for my mom, for justice, and for every family like mine.
And here's the announcement: Season Two of Papi Killed Mommy is officially happening. This season belongs to my mom and will continue until justice comes, but Season Two will expand to cover other domestic violence cases. My best friend Melissa — my partner in Denver, my rock through CrimeCon — will join me as co-host. Together, we'll bring new voices, new cases, and new energy to the show.
CrimeCon also made one thing painfully clear: despite encouraging words from officials, my mom's case is not being actively investigated. Emails from both the Yavapai County Attorney's Office and Sedona PD reveal contradictions and carefully chosen language — "ongoing investigation," "annual review," "if any" new information. In the end, Sedona PD admitted the truth: this is a cold case review, not an open homicide investigation. My mom deserves better.
So here's my call to action. Please stand with me:
 📞 Call the Yavapai County Attorney's Office at (928) 771-3344
📧 Email them at [email protected]
— demand they pursue justice.
📞 Call the Sedona Police Department at (928) 282-3100
📧 Email [email protected]
— insist they reactivate my mom's case.
📞 Contact the Sedona Red Rock News at (928) 282-7795
📧 Email [email protected]
— tell them to report this story from the family's perspective.
CrimeCon reminded me that I am not alone. People care. My mom's story matters. And with your help, I'll never stop fighting for justice.
Support the show