Papi Killed Mommy – CrimeCon Experience

Host: Nikki
Episode: Crime Con (Bonus Episode)
Release Date: September 10, 2025

Episode Overview

In this emotional bonus episode, Nikki, host and daughter of the woman at the center of the Papi Killed Mommy podcast, shares her transformative experience attending her first CrimeCon event in Denver. She opens up about the overwhelming support from the true crime community, meeting listeners and advocates, and how the event shaped her decisions regarding the future of the podcast. The episode also reveals new developments (and frustrations) with her mother’s cold case investigation, along with a major announcement about the direction of Season Two.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Epic Road Trip to CrimeCon

• Nikki, best friend Melissa, and her emotional support dog Dickie Birdie drive 900 miles from Phoenix to Denver, with the trip turning into a 14-hour marathon due to route changes and weather.
• Light-hearted moment: They make the best of it by binge-listening to the Crime Weekly podcast, which Nikki becomes a fan of thanks to Melissa.
• Quote:

  “By the time we reached Denver, Derek and Stephanie had basically kept us company the entire way. And by the end of the trip, they had officially become one of my new favorite podcasts.” (02:10)

2. Arriving at CrimeCon: Overwhelming Emotions & Community

• Walking into the convention hall, Nikki is emotionally hit by meeting Cheryl Lynn Dale, the first person to cover her mom’s case respectfully—and someone who donated so Nikki could attend the event.
• Tearful reunion:

  "The second I saw her, I just burst into tears, full on sobbing..." (03:00)

• Starstruck encounters with podcasters from Generation Y, Killer Queens, Navigating Advocacy, Crime Salad, Moms and Mysteries, and sightings of major media figures.
• Memorable moment: Feeling seen and validated when people stop by her booth already familiar with her story—“Overwhelming in the best way.” (04:15)
• Nikki reflects on the importance of meeting not just creators, but listeners, survivors, families, and advocates who connect deeply with her mother’s story.

3. Wrestling with Monetization & Sustaining the Podcast

• At CrimeCon, Nikki is approached by a company wanting to help monetize the podcast.
• She initially resists, fearing perceptions of exploitation, but changes her mind after conversations with other creators and realizing the financial strain shouldn't fall solely on listeners.
• Quote:

  "If I want to keep doing this, if I want to keep taking my mom's story to events like CrimeCon, if I want to get her case out to the world, I can't keep asking my listeners to carry the financial burden." (07:50)

• Announces that Season One and all of Season Two will be monetized—not to profit, but to fight for justice and bring the story to more people.

4. Season Two Announcement & New Co-Host

• Nikki reveals Season Two is coming and will feature not only her mother's story but other under-told domestic violence cases.
• Melissa, her best friend and true crime enthusiast, will join as co-host.
• Quote:

  "Together, we're going to bring new energy, new conversation and new advocacy to Poppy Killed Mommy." (10:20)

• Listeners are invited to submit cases for consideration:

  "If you know of a domestic violence case that needs attention... please email me at poppykilledmommymail.com." (12:05)

5. Sobering Update on Her Mother’s Case

• Nikki shares a timeline of communication between herself, the Yavapai County Attorney’s Office, and the Sedona Police Department regarding her mom’s case:
  • Positive-sounding news about “additional investigation requested” quickly turns to vague language about waiting for new info.
  • Sedona PD refers to the matter as “annual review,” clarifies no timeline, and indicates the request for records should go to the county attorney.
  • The blunt truth arrives:

    "This is in cold case review." (14:44)

  • Nikki interprets these shifting, inconsistent statements as evidence of inaction:

    "The two agencies can't even keep their language consistent. And that contradiction alone shows how little transparency there really is." (16:30)

• She emphasizes that the case is not being actively worked, despite reassuring language from authorities.

6. Call to Action

• Nikki urges listeners to demand transparency and true investigation into her mother’s unsolved homicide.
• Contact details for the Yavapai County Attorney’s Office, Sedona Police Department, and Red Rock News will be in the show notes.
• Editorial correction about Red Rock News editor’s name:
  • Corrects to "Christopher Fox Grant," clarifies Kyle Larson is the owner.

7. Reflecting on CrimeCon: Hope, Community, and Resilience

• Nikki expresses gratitude for all who spoke with her in Denver and the power of community support in keeping her mother’s story alive.
• Quote:

  “Looking back on my first CrimeCon experience, it was so much more than just an event. It was proof that people care, proof that my mom's story matters, and a reminder that even three decades later, I'm not alone in this fight.” (19:15)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On discovering community at CrimeCon:

  “It was overwhelming to suddenly be standing in the same place as people who had spoken my mom's name out loud on their platforms, who had helped amplify her story to the world.” (03:20)

• On deciding to monetize:

  "If I want to keep doing this... I can't keep asking my listeners to carry the financial burden." (07:50)

• Announcement:

  “Season two of Poppy Killed Mommy is officially happening. So exciting.” (09:30)

• On the mixed messages from authorities:

  “Words like review or ongoing might sound reassuring, but they don't guarantee action. And my mom's case deserves more than paperwork and vague promises.” (16:55)

• Final message to her mother:

  “To my mom, I'll never stop telling your story.” (20:05)

Important Timestamps

• 00:10 — Nikki introduces the episode and the road trip to Denver
• 03:00 — Meeting Cheryl Lynn Dale and emotional reactions
• 04:15 — Interactions with podcasting community
• 07:50 — Internal debate and announcement about monetizing the podcast
• 09:30 — Season Two announcement and new co-host
• 12:05 — Call for listener-submitted stories
• 13:00 – 17:00 — Updates and revelations about the mother’s case, analysis of law enforcement messaging
• 19:15 — Reflections on what CrimeCon meant to Nikki
• 20:05 — Closing gratitude and dedication

Tone & Style

Nikki’s storytelling is frank, vulnerable, and heartfelt, balancing raw emotion with moments of levity. Her passion—both for her mother’s memory and for the wider issue of domestic violence—is clear throughout. The episode mixes hope, frustration, humor, gratitude, and advocacy, drawing the listener into both the immediacy of her CrimeCon experience and the ongoing fight for justice in her mother's case.

Listener Takeaways

• Community matters: Personal connection and validation make a profound difference for survivors.
• Advocacy is ongoing: Meaningful progress in cold cases often relies on sustained public pressure.
• The fight continues: With new directions for Papi Killed Mommy and continued demands for accountability, Nikki’s mission endures—and listeners are invited to join her.

For further engagement:
Submit domestic violence case suggestions: poppykilledmommymail.com
Advocate for Nikki’s mother: Contact info for officials and press in show notes

Next episode: Continuation of Season One’s focus on Nikki’s mother’s story.

End of Summary