BONUS EPISODE~ Letter from a friend: Cheryl Mendel

Hello, I'm Nikki, daughter of a woman whose life was tragically cut short. Welcome back to Papi Killed Mommy.

These bonus episodes share letters from my mom's closest friends — a way to meet the woman I never fully knew.

She was taken when I was ten. These letters bring her memory alive and reveal parts of her story missing from Episode 1, which premieres July 8 at 11 PM MST — the moment I last said goodnight to her.

Before this podcast, I had almost no audio experience. Social media helped keep her name alive, but I needed a louder way to tell her story.

I built a home studio, wrote these episodes, and started speaking from the heart. It's been emotional and challenging, but each episode brings the truth forward.

This episode features a letter from Cheryl Mendel, a friend of my mom's in 1976. Cheryl saw Stacy as a spirited, resilient teen with a bold personality and gentle soul.

Though brief, their friendship reveals the woman behind the mother — the woman inspiring this fight for justice.

If Cheryl's memories bring you closer to my mom, stay with me. There's so much more to uncover.

Papi Killed Mommy launches July 8 at 11 PM MST — the moment my life changed forever.

Each week, we'll explore facts, memories, and the ongoing search for truth.

Next week, I'll share one last bonus letter — from me to my mother. It's deeply personal, and I hope it helps you feel closer to her.

How you can help

• Subscribe, follow, and share to amplify this story.
• If you have info, contact Sedona Police at (928) 282-3100 or tips@daughterofamurderedwoman.com.
• Sign the petition for a full homicide investigation: https://www.change.org/p/demand-a-complete-homicide-investigation-for-the-murder-of-stephanie-marie-wasilishin.
• Support the show to fund interviews, FOIA requests, and forensic work via the "Support the Show" link.

🐾✈️ Traveling to CrimeCon with my best friend, Dickie Birdie, comes with some unexpected expenses — his recent vet visit alone was $827. If you'd like to help make sure he's safe and comfy on this trip, I've put together a small Amazon Wishlist with his travel essentials (like a stroller, pop‑up kennel, and car seat). Every bit of support means the world. 💙
🛒 Click here to check out Dickie Birdie's Wishlist

Resources

This podcast discusses domestic violence, trauma, and homicide. If you or someone you love needs help:

• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 | thehotline.org
• Sedona Police Department: (928) 282-3100
• More resources at the podcast website.

Stay connected

• TikTok & Instagram: @nicolewasilishin
• YouTube: Daughter of a Murdered Woman
• Website: daughterofamurderedwoman.com

Thank you for listening, caring, and standing with me to give my mom's story a voice.

Support the show