Podcast Summary: "The Day After" – Papi Killed Mommy

Episode Overview In the seventh episode of Papi Killed Mommy, titled "The Day After," host Nikki delves deeper into the aftermath of her mother's tragic murder. Released on July 19, 2025, this episode focuses on the critical developments immediately following the incident, particularly the investigation's interactions with Russell Peterson, her mother's boyfriend, who emerges as a central figure in the case.

Trigger Warning Nikki begins the episode with a solemn reminder: "This podcast contains discussion of domestic violence, homicide, and other potentially distressing topics. The individual mentioned in this episode is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Listener discretion is advised." (00:07)

Recap of Previous Episodes Nikki briefly recaps the preceding episodes, summarizing her mother's last day, the blurred events of July 9th, and the immediate aftermath where Nikki and her sister were placed with foster parents. She emphasizes the confusion and lack of transparency surrounding the news of her mother's death, highlighting the emotional turmoil experienced by her and her sister during those early hours. (00:07)

Arrival of Family and Initial Red Flags On July 10, the day following the murder, Nikki recounts the arrival of her extended family, particularly noting her Uncle Lance and Grandma V's immediate and uncharacteristic reaction — Uncle Lance crying at their sight, a behavior Nikki's young mind recognized as a significant red flag. (02:15)

Grandma's Testimony and Relationship Dynamics Nikki shares insights from her Grandma V's interview with investigators, revealing the strained relationship between her mother, Stacey, and Russell Peterson. Grandma V describes Russell as physically and emotionally abusive, highlighting his alcoholism and numerous instances of mistreatment Stacey endured. Notably, Grandma mentions a pivotal phone call on July 9th, where Russell initially claimed Stacey had shot herself but later contradicted this statement, suggesting a possible cover-up. (04:30)

Investigators' Interviews with Coworkers The episode delves into statements from Stacey's coworkers, particularly Peter Korn and Luis Rodriguez, who paint a picture of a distressed and argumentative Stacey. Korn mentions Stacey's preoccupation with an impending trip Russell had to New York, which involved using money Stacey had saved for a family Disneyland vacation. He observes that Stacey was often the one instigating conflicts, leaving him doubtful about Russell's involvement in her death. (07:45)

Aunt Kathy's Insights Aunt Kathy provides a personal perspective, detailing Stacey's contemplation of leaving Russell due to his abusive behavior. Kathy emphasizes Stacey's increasing unhappiness over six months and offers that she had proposed assisting Stacey in leaving Russell, which Stacey never acted upon. This testimony adds layers to the understanding of the couple's troubled relationship. (11:20)

Russell Peterson's First Interview (12:50) The crux of the episode revolves around Russell Peterson's interview conducted at the Poco Diablo Resort. Here's a breakdown of key moments and quotes:

• Initial Denials and Evasion: Russell downplays any issues, describing the day as ordinary with minor morning arguments about household cleanliness. He states, "It was basically a regular day for her." (13:15)

• Character Testimony: He portrays Stacey as a loving mother but hints at her troubled past, mentioning abuse from her family and a reluctance to discuss her past, potentially indicating unresolved trauma affecting her current behavior. (16:40)

• Threats and Aggression: Russell acknowledges Stacey's aggressive tendencies, quoting her threats: "She's going to stick a knife in my gut. She's going to poke my eyes out." However, he insists he never felt threatened, despite these menacing statements. (25:30)

• Recollection of the Night's Events: Russell describes the confrontation, claiming Stacey approached with a loaded gun, leading to the fatal shooting. He asserts, "I put my hands up and said, Steph, well, Steph, what are you crazy? No, no, no." Yet, he remains uncertain about the exact sequence, admitting, "I don't have the answers, gentlemen." (30:10)

• Financial Motives: When questioned about funds for his culinary school trip, Russell cites his vacation money but omits mention of using Stacey's saved funds for Disneyland, raising suspicions about his financial transparency. (42:50)

• Affair Admissions and Motive Implications: Russell indirectly acknowledges an affair by referencing Stacey's interactions with a man named Craig, who offered her a culinary training opportunity. He notes, "It's never been a time where I have said no, it's not right." This admission suggests potential motives linked to Stacey's relationships and independence. (51:00)

• Confusion and Lack of Clarity: Throughout the interview, Russell exhibits confusion, contradictory statements, and a lack of clear memory regarding the events, such as the exact timing of the shooting and the presence of others. He oscillates between admitting possible confrontation and dismissing it, exemplifying uncertainty and potential deceit. (60:00)

• Hypnosis and Polygraph Refusals: Although Russell initially agrees to undergo hypnosis and a polygraph test to prove his innocence, he ultimately declines to comply, leaving crucial investigative avenues unexplored. (58:40)

Analysis of Russell's Testimony Nikki critically analyzes Russell's shifting narratives between interviews:

• Consistency Issues: Russell's accounts of the confrontation's nature and the timeline raise questions about his reliability and truthfulness.

• Financial Discrepancies: His failure to mention the misappropriated Disneyland funds hints at possible financial motives or attempts to obscure his involvement.

• Affair and Motive: The acknowledgment of Stacey's affair and her plans to leave Russell introduce a strong potential motive, suggesting that Stacey's desire for independence and possible departure may have escalated tensions leading to her murder.

• Evasive Behavior: Russell's tendency to rant, sidestep questions, and his refusal to take the polygraph exam further cast doubt on his innocence and cooperation with the investigation.

Critical Evidence Highlighted Nikki emphasizes the significance of specific evidence:

• Grandma V's Contradictory Statement: Russell's initial claim that Stacey committed suicide versus later admissions indicate possible attempts to manipulate the narrative.

• Financial Motives: The diversion of funds meant for family vacations to support Russell's culinary ambitions underscores potential financial strain and motives.

• Stacey's Threats vs. Reality: The transformation of Stacey's past threats into tangible actions on the night of her death blurs the lines between verbal abuse and physical violence, suggesting a dangerous escalation.

Conclusion and Foreshadowing Nikki concludes the episode by underscoring the unresolved aspects of the case, particularly the lack of decisive action from law enforcement despite recognizing the homicide. She hints at the impending revelation of how Russell's interactions with the police ceased after the critical July 10th interview, building anticipation for the next episode, which promises to shed light on Russell's final engagement with investigators and the lingering mysteries surrounding Stacey's death.

Closing Remarks Nikki extends gratitude to supporters, particularly Sarah Turney, and emphasizes the independent nature of her podcasting efforts. She reiterates the call for public assistance, urging anyone with information to contact the Sedona Police Department, reinforcing her commitment to seeking justice for her mother.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• "I remember feeling guilty that strangers were spending money on me." – Nikki (00:15)
• "Russell is an alcoholic who urinates all over himself and inside the residence." – Grandma V (04:30)
• "Stephanie, I'm going to shoot you." – Russell Peterson (47:50)
• "I don't have the answers, gentlemen." – Russell Peterson (33:40)
• "I am willing to do whatever it takes to prove that I truly had nothing to do with this set of events." – Russell Peterson (59:25)

What's Next In the upcoming episode, Nikki promises to explore the final interactions between Russell Peterson and the Sedona Police Department, unveiling crucial testimonies and evidence that could potentially alter the course of the investigation. Listeners can anticipate a deep dive into the last statements made by Russell and how they influence the overarching narrative of Stacey's untimely demise.

Support and Engagement Nikki invites listeners to support the podcast through donations, highlighting the importance of community assistance in keeping her mother's story alive. She shares personal acknowledgments and encourages those with information to aid in unraveling the truth behind the case.

Contact Information If you possess any information related to Stacey's case, please contact the Sedona Police Department at 928-282-3100.

Timestamps

1. Introduction & Trigger Warning – 00:07
2. Recap of Previous Episodes – 00:07
3. Arrival of Family – 02:15
4. Grandma's Testimony – 04:30
5. Interviews with Coworkers – 07:45
6. Aunt Kathy's Insights – 11:20
7. Russell Peterson's First Interview Begins – 12:50
8. Character Testimony – 16:40
9. Threats and Aggression – 25:30
10. Recollection of the Night's Events – 30:10
11. Financial Motives – 42:50
12. Affair Admissions – 51:00
13. Confusion and Lack of Clarity – 60:00
14. Hypnosis and Polygraph Refusals – 58:40
15. Notable Quotes – Various
16. Conclusion and Foreshadowing – Ends at 62:11

This episode of Papi Killed Mommy offers a compelling and intricate look into the immediate aftermath of a tragic loss and the complexities surrounding a homicide investigation. Through meticulous storytelling and first-hand accounts, Nikki provides listeners with an unfiltered perspective on her journey toward uncovering the truth about her mother's death.