Podcast Summary: "Papi Killed Mommy"
Episode: "The Last Day"
Host: Nikki Wasslichen
Release Date: July 12, 2025
Introduction
In the poignant and gripping episode titled "The Last Day" from the true crime podcast <em>Papi Killed Mommy</em>, host Nikki Wasslichen delves deep into the tragic events surrounding the murder of her mother, Stephanie Marie Wasslichen (referred to as "Stacey" for storytelling purposes). This episode meticulously reconstructs the timeline of Stacy's final day on July 8, 1993, shedding light on the complexities and unanswered questions that have persisted for 28 years.
Background
Nikki begins by revisiting the heart-wrenching foundation of the podcast. She introduces her mother, Stacy, who was tragically murdered during a domestic violence altercation when Nikki was just ten years old. The official ruling was homicide, with evidence suggesting Stacy was defending herself at the time she was shot. Despite confessions and witness statements implicating Stacy's boyfriend, Russell Peterson, no charges were pressed against him—a discrepancy that fueled Nikki's relentless pursuit of the truth.
Notable Quote:
"I was just 10 years old, but I never forgot what really happened." ([00:04])
Timeline of Events on July 8, 1993
Nikki meticulously breaks down the events of Stacy's last day:
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Morning to Afternoon:
- 11:30 AM: Stacy and Russell wake up and head to work at Pietro's, an Italian restaurant in Sedona, Arizona.
- Workday Tensions: Multiple coworkers, including Susie Corbett ([04:30]) and Kate Ellen Gant ([06:16]), report that Stacy was visibly stressed due to Russell's work commitments and financial strains. Stacy's frustration over Russell attending cooking school and neglecting family time is highlighted.
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Late Afternoon:
- 5:30 - 5:45 PM: Katherine Dindler last sees Stacy at Pietro's parking lot before her shift ends. Stacy then drives home, arriving around 6 PM.
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Evening Activities:
- 6:00 - 7:42 PM: Stacy's activities during this period remain largely undocumented in the case files. Nikki shares a personal account from her police interview, mentioning watching TV and playing hide and seek with her sister.
- 7:42 PM: Stacy calls her sister Wendy in El Cajon, California, a conversation that lasted 24 minutes. Wendy notes Stacy's troubled mood.
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8:06 PM: Stacy makes a significant 107-minute call to her ex-husband, Craig Daly (Nikki's father), marking a departure from their typically brief and utilitarian conversations.
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10:30 PM: After hanging up with Craig, Stacy calls Wendy again for about 35 minutes, during which her demeanor reportedly improves.
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11:00 PM: Nikki recounts her final interaction with Stacy that night, where subtle signs of Stacy's inebriation are evident.
Notable Quotes:
"Stacy was upset because Russell was working too much and not paying enough attention to her or the children." ([04:30])
"The call with Wendy ended at 8:06 PM, within the same minute of hanging up with Wendy, Stacey called her ex, Craig Daly, my father." ([07:17])
Russell Peterson's Version and the 911 Call
Nikki introduces audio excerpts from Russell Peterson's interrogations, providing a first-hand account of his perspective during the critical moments leading to Stacy's death.
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Russell's Entrance Home:
- 11:15 - 11:30 PM: Russell arrives home with the help of Susie Corbett and her boyfriend. He mentions bringing wine, which sets the stage for the ensuing confrontation.
Quote:
"I give Stephie a little kiss. She's sitting on the couch. I have a bottle of wine. I have a bottle of Jordan Taberna." ([06:03])
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Confrontation and Argument:
- After sharing wine, an argument erupts over personal and professional grievances. Russell mentions Stacy's long phone conversation with her ex, Craig, which becomes a point of contention.
Quote:
"She told me that she's been talking. She talked with him for about two hours." ([07:10])
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The Struggle and Shooting:
- Russell describes a heated exchange that escalates when Stacy pulls a gun on him. He portrays himself as reacting instinctively to protect himself, leading to the fatal gunshot.
Quote:
"She goes into the bedroom and she comes back down. She has the gun in her hand and she cocks it back. She goes, Russell, I'm gonna shoot you." ([08:07])
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911 Call Details:
- An intriguing twist reveals that Russell made a separate call to his father, Kenneth Peterson, four minutes before dialing 911. This pre-911 call was never investigated, raising questions about its significance.
Quote:
"He calls someone else. The case file has a list... Russell called his father before calling 911." ([10:20])
911 Conversation Excerpts:
Dispatcher: "911, what's your emergency?" ([11:57])
Russell: "Sir, there has been a very bad accident... she's been shot." ([12:22])The 911 dialogue unfolds with Russell describing the scene, his inability to perform CPR, and his emotional distress.
Notable Quote:
"We had a little bit of an argument and it went panic back and forth and it just kind of went off." ([15:07])
Police Arrival and Aftermath
At 1:47 AM on July 9, 1993, the Sedona Police Department officers arrive at the scene. They find Stacy deceased with significant gunshot wounds and blood evidence, along with a traumatized three-year-old daughter who persistently asserts, "Poppy killed Mommy."
Key Findings:
- Police Report: Details Stacy's position, injuries, and the presence of blood on Russell.
- Child's Testimony: The young daughter’s repeated accusation against Russell underscores the traumatic impact of the event.
- Police Interaction: The officers' attempt to manage the scene and comfort the children highlights the immediate chaos and emotional turmoil.
Notable Quotes:
"We had a fight in progress. Dispute, husband, wife dispute." ([13:00])
"She comes out and she fired at me." ([09:39])
Reflections and Ongoing Investigation
Nikki shares her emotional recounting of the aftermath:
- The young Nikki and her sister are taken to a police cruiser, witnessing their father's alleged distress and the immediate consequences of the night’s events.
- The medical examiner's determination of homicide aligns with the children's repeated statements implicating Russell.
- Despite the timeline and evidence, the lack of charges against Russell persists as a central mystery.
Notable Insights:
- Uninvestigated Call: The overlooked call to Russell's father suggests potential gaps in the investigation that merit further scrutiny.
- Children's Statements: Nikki emphasizes the consistency of her sister's allegations over the years, highlighting possible early recognition of Russell's guilt.
Conclusion
"The Last Day" serves as a foundational episode that sets the stage for Nikki Wasslichen's relentless quest for justice. By meticulously piecing together the timeline, presenting Russell Peterson's account, and highlighting critical evidence and testimonies, Nikki paints a comprehensive picture of a family shattered by tragedy and a system that failed to deliver accountability.
Final Reflections:
"Justice is still being sought. If you or anyone you know has information on my mother's case, you're encouraged to contact the Sedona Police Department at 928-282-3100." ([23:47])
Looking Forward
Nikki concludes the episode by acknowledging the ongoing nature of her investigation and the emotional toll it has taken on her and her family. She promises to continue uncovering the layers of this unresolved case in subsequent episodes, inviting listeners to join her in seeking the truth.
Closing Remarks:
"Join me next week as I continue to dig through the case file and uncover what happened next in the aftermath of my mother's death." ([21:47])
Support and Further Engagement
Nikki encourages listeners to support the podcast through monthly contributions, which assist in sustaining the show's production and investigative efforts. She also emphasizes the importance of sharing the series to raise awareness and garner assistance in her pursuit of justice.
Support Note:
"Your support means the world to me — and it helps me keep bringing you this important story." ([Description])
Final Disclaimer:
Nikki reiterates that all individuals mentioned are presumed innocent until proven guilty, maintaining journalistic integrity and respect for the legal process throughout her storytelling.
This episode is a compelling blend of personal narrative, investigative journalism, and emotional depth, providing listeners with a detailed understanding of the tragic events and the enduring quest for truth and justice.