Letter from a friend: Cheryl Mendel

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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 [phone] or [e-mail].
• 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.

Resources

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

• National Domestic Violence Hotline: [phone] | thehotline.org
• Sedona Police Department: [phone]
• 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.

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