At about 2 a.m. on July 9th, 1993, 10-year-old Nikki Wasilishin is deep asleep under the covers of her bed when she is woken up by a flashlight in her face. It’s an officer from the Sedona, Arizona police department. He tells her that her parents have gotten into an altercation, and she needs to come with him.

As she’s escorted out of her room and through the front door, she sees her mother’s boyfriend, Russel Peterson, on the couch. He’s rocking back and forth, and his hands are covered in blood. When the officer finally gets Nikki in the police car, she’s met by her 3-year-old little sister, who is repeating the same thing over and over again: “Poppy killed Mommy, Poppy killed Mommy.” 

Their mother, Stephanie Wasilishin, was gone. Over 30 years later, her family is still fighting for answers.

Anyone with information about the death of Stephanie Wasilishin is asked to call the Sedona, Arizona Police Department at 928-282-3100.

Thank you to our sponsor, Zocdoc! Go to Zocdoc.com/Justice and download the Zocdoc app for free. Then find and book a top-rated doctor today.

For more information about the podcast and the cases discussed, visit VoicesforJusticePodcast.com

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Voices for Justice is hosted by Sarah Turney

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The introduction music used in Voices for Justice is Thread of Clouds by Blue Dot Sessions. Outro music is Melancholic Ending by Soft and Furious. The track used for ad transitions is Pinky by Blue Dot Sessions.

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