Podcast Summary: Papi Killed Mommy – Interview with My Father: Craig Daley

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Papi Killed Mommy, host Nikki delves deeper into the unresolved mystery surrounding her mother's tragic murder. Titled "Interview with My Father: Craig Daley," released on July 30, 2025, this episode presents an unfiltered and raw conversation between Nikki and her father, Craig Daley. Unlike previous installments, this episode features the full, unedited interview, providing listeners with an authentic glimpse into Craig's perspective and experiences related to the case.

Trigger Warning

Nikki begins with a necessary trigger warning, cautioning listeners about discussions of domestic violence, homicide, and other distressing topics. She emphasizes the importance of sensitivity, stating, “The individual mentioned in this episodes is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law” (00:06).

Background and Purpose

Nikki explains that one of the most frequently asked questions pertains to her father’s memories and feelings about the night her mother was killed. Determined to shed light on overlooked aspects of the case, she presents Craig's first interview without any edits. "You'll also hear my voice throughout because I've decided not to edit out my own questions this time," she shares (00:42). This approach aims to provide an unvarnished account, highlighting gaps in the initial investigation where her father's testimony was inadequately addressed.

The Critical Phone Call

The conversation centers around a pivotal phone call on July 8, 1993, between Nikki's mother and Craig. Craig recounts the call's content and significance:

• Initial Contact: "She called me random. She'd call me every once in a while, but I never knew when" (02:39). During the call, his mother expressed her intention to return, discussing personal matters and dissatisfaction with her then-boyfriend, Russell Peterson.

• Personal Insights: Craig shares, “She was sick of him...she was having some kind of little affair with a pizza delivery guy” (04:55). He also reveals that his mother mentioned a phone recorder installed by Russell, adding, "she knew it and she said she didn't care" (04:56).

Suspicious Elements and Investigative Shortcomings

Craig highlights critical oversights in the investigation:

• Lack of In-Person Interview: "They never drove down to Phoenix to interview him in person in '93. They never recorded his statement. They never transcribed it" (05:07).

• Neglected Evidence: The father discusses how his insights regarding the phone recorder and Russell’s erratic behavior were dismissed by the investigators. “The fact that his words were neglected, minimized, and left out of the official case file is beyond suspect” (06:42).

Events on the Night of the Murder

The interview delves into the timeline of the crucial night:

• Duration of the Phone Call: Craig was on the phone with his mother from 8:06 PM to 9:53 PM (02:32). They discussed personal matters and plans for her to return with their children and pets.

• Discovery of Tragedy: After the call, Craig finds numerous messages on the voicemail, eventually learning that his mother had been shot by Russell Peterson (07:00).

• Russell's Behavior: Craig describes Russell as troubled, stating, “He was probably drunked up like always... he was a wimp” (08:12). He is perplexed by how Russell, whom he portrays as incapable and irresponsible, became the perpetrator.

The Elusive Phone Recorder

A significant point of contention is the phone recorder:

• Mother’s Awareness: "She said it was there, it was on, it was recording, and she did not care" (27:32). This device could have provided vital evidence but was never recovered.

• Russell’s Motives: Craig suggests that Russell may have tampered with or discarded the recorder to eliminate incriminating evidence. “He grabbed it and threw it out in the alley or something like that” (29:45).

Critical Missed Opportunities

Nikki and Craig discuss several missed investigative opportunities:

• Lack of Follow-Up: Despite knowing that Craig was a key witness and potential motive, the authorities failed to conduct a thorough in-person interview. “They never tracked him down to get his comment... two guys having the same story” (18:56).

• Ignored Affidavits: Aunt Wendy had reported her mother's affair with a contractor named Chuck Cash in 1999, but the Sedona Police Department never interviewed him, further weakening the case (18:08).

Personal Reflections and Emotional Weight

Nikki shares her emotional struggle with her father's limited involvement and unanswered questions:

• Unanswered Questions: “Why didn't he follow up? Why didn't he call police? Why didn't he do something?” (00:42). These lingering questions haunt Nikki, as she seeks closure and justice.

• Father’s Character: Despite being implicated, Nikki defends her father’s character, describing him as a good man without any history of abuse or malice. “He's just a man who loved my mom and she was coming back to him” (33:34).

Personal Stories and Memories

To humanize the narrative, Craig reminisces about his relationship with Nikki's mother:

• Clean Freak Anecdote: Sharing a light-hearted story, Craig recalls a bet with his wife about maintaining cleanliness. "She says it's the easiest 20 bucks I ever made...she started picking up the underwear and putting the stuff doing the dishes and this, that and the other" (20:46).

• Toughness and Strength: He emphasizes her resilience and capability, stating, “She was a tough girl” (06:05) and “she could take care of herself” (15:53).

Investigative Failures and Concluding Remarks

The episode concludes with a critical assessment of the investigative process:

• Insufficient Evidence: The authorities leaned heavily on Russell's account without corroborating evidence, dismissing the possibility of self-defense despite medical examiner findings. “They’re just literally running with the suspect's account, and they don't have enough evidence to prosecute” (29:25).

• Systemic Negligence: Craig attributes the investigation's shortcomings to institutional negligence and a desire to avoid scandal. “They were trying to cover their butt...like a lot of politic, whatever” (17:38).

• Call for Justice: Nikki underscores the importance of uncovering the truth and urges listeners to support the podcast in keeping her mother's story alive. She also invites anyone with information to contact the Sedona Police Department, highlighting the ongoing quest for justice.

Notable Quotes

• Craig Daley: “He was a wimp. You know, I approached him one time years ago, and he wet his pants when I approached him” (08:43).

• Nikki: “Why didn’t he do more? My dad isn't perfect. He'll be the first one to admit that” (33:08).

• Craig Daley: “They were trying to cover their butt...like a lot of politic, whatever” (17:38).

Conclusion

This episode of Papi Killed Mommy offers a poignant and thorough examination of overlooked evidence and the personal toll of unsolved justice. Through her father's unfiltered account, Nikki exposes critical flaws in the investigation and paints a nuanced picture of her parents' relationship. The raw honesty and emotional depth provide listeners with a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding her mother's murder, emphasizing the enduring quest for truth and closure.

Support and Call to Action

Nikki concludes by encouraging listeners to support the podcast through donations and merchandise purchases, reinforcing the importance of continuing to tell her mother's story. She also appeals for any new information that could aid the investigation, underscoring the podcast's role in seeking justice.

Connect with Papi Killed Mommy:

• Support the Show: Papi Killed Mommy Support
• Social Media: Follow Nikki on TikTok and Instagram @icolewassolution for updates and behind-the-scenes content.
• Contact Information: If you have any information regarding the case, reach out to the Sedona Police Department at 928-282-3100.

Thank you for engaging with this detailed summary. For a more in-depth experience, listening to the full episode is highly recommended.