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Gunshots echo through a quiet Sedona night in July 1993, forever changing the lives of two young sisters. Ten-year-old Nikki goes to bed after hugging her mother goodnight, unaware it would be their final embrace. Hours later, she wakes to police flashlights in her face, the beginning of a three-decade nightmare seeking justice for her murdered mother.

Stephanie Wasilishan was a 32-year-old pastry chef and mother of two who had finally made the decision to leave her abusive relationship with boyfriend Russell Peterson. After a lengthy phone call with her ex-partner making plans to move out, Stephanie was shot in the neck and killed. What followed was a series of bewildering decisions by law enforcement that allowed a killer to walk free despite overwhelming evidence.

The story unfolds like a true crime nightmare - a suspicious 911 call where Russell can't decide who shot Stephanie, a three-year-old witness repeatedly telling police "Poppy killed Mommy," forensic evidence showing Stephanie couldn't have shot herself, and Russell's own admission of staging the crime scene before calling for help. Even the medical examiner ruled it a homicide. Yet inexplicably, the case was never brought before a grand jury.

Most heartbreaking is what happened afterward - Russell separating the sisters, convincing the younger daughter her mother committed suicide, and a family fractured by tragedy and injustice. Years later, his second wife revealed shocking confessions he made about that night, yet still no justice came.

Today, Nikki refuses to let her mother's story fade into obscurity. Through social media and relentless advocacy, she fights to reopen the case that robbed her of her mother and her childhood. Her courage reminds us that behind every unsolved case is a family still searching for answers, still hoping that truth will eventually prevail against time and indifference.

Follow Nikki's fight for justice through the links in our show notes and share her story. Sometimes all it takes is getting the right information to the right person to finally bring three decades of injustice to an end.

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https://uppbeat.io/t/the-wayward-hearts/a-calm-hellfire

License code: ZJZ99QK39IWFF0FB

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Engage with a gripping true crime narrative as we delve into the chaotic life of Taylor Schabusiness, a woman whose path led her to commit unspeakable acts of violence. With a turbulent background, marked by personal loss and mental health struggles, Taylor's story raises poignant questions about the nature of accountability in the context of untreated mental illness. We explore the haunting events surrounding the murder of Shad Thyrion, revealing the chilling details of how a night of passion spiraled into horror. Through a thorough investigation, we uncover the complexities surrounding Taylor's motivations and the ensuing legal proceedings that captivated a community struggling to reconcile grief and forgiveness.

By sharing insights into family dynamics, witness statements, and the courtroom drama, we highlight a conversation on mental health awareness, addiction, and justice. Tune in for a powerful episode that will leave you reflecting on the intricate interplays between tragedy, crime, and the human experience. Join us on this journey and engage with the discussion about forgiveness and its limits in the shadow of violence. Don’t forget to subscribe, share your thoughts, and leave a review to support our exploration of these vital issues.

Sources:

https://www.courttv.com/news/court-documents-reveal-taylor-schabusiness-past/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xofnwgeulB8

https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/21299905-taylor-denise-schabusiness-criminal-complaint/

https://nypost.com/2023/09/26/taylor-schabusiness-gets-life-without-parole-for-shad-thyrions-death/

https://www.yahoo.com/news/convicted-murderer-taylor-schabusiness-charged-213302017.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_of_Shad_Thyrion

https://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/story/news/crime/2023/02/14/schabusiness-attacks-her-attorney-in-brown-county-courtroom/69902473007/

https://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/story/news/crime/2024/12/17/taylor-schabusiness-accused-of-attacking-correctional-sergeant/77055299007/

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murder.mimosas@gmail.com


https://uppbeat.io/t/the-wayward-hearts/a-calm-hellfire

License code: ZJZ99QK39IWFF0FB

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What lies behind the chilling disappearance of Jarrod Green? In today’s gripping episode, we journey through Jared’s life, exploring the moments leading up to his unexplained vanishing in 1994. Once an outgoing young man with dreams for his future, Jarrod’s story turned dark as he grappled with addiction and the looming presence of unresolved debt to dangerous individuals. His girlfriend's poignant recollections from their last interactions reveal a terrifying plea for help, hinting at the fears he faced daily.

With lesser-known cases often overlooked, we take a closer look at the hurdles families encounter when navigating the investigative process. Jared's parents faced delays and hesitations from law enforcement when trying to report him missing, representing a frustrating yet common experience for many families in crisis. As whispers of drug-related violence circulate, we uncover the potential players involved in Jared's last moments.

This episode revisits key developments in Jarrod's case, including the reopening that occurred years later, providing insights into how new evidence can spark fresh hope. We highlight the importance of never giving up on missing persons cases, ensuring that their loved ones stay remembered and that their stories persist.

Through a heartfelt approach, we encourage honest conversations around addiction, the complexity of tracking down missing individuals, and what it means to seek justice and closure. Join us in amplifying Jared's story and the stories of so many like him, as we aim to create awareness and evoke change. If you feel compelled, subscribe, share, and help us shed light on cases that continue to echo through time.

Sources:

https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1BfS7NFnaU/

https://casetext.com/case/wheeler-v-city-of-searcy

https://aymag.com/murder-mystery-in-the-drivers-seat/

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hell-and-gone-murder-line-jarrod-green-part-2/id1437808691?

i=1000631056725

https://uncovered.com/cases/robert-webb-searcy-ar

https://www.kait8.com/story/35408776/police-arrest-man-suspected-in-23-year-old-murder/

https://fortworthbusiness.com/government/arkansas-prosecutor-drops-murder-charge-against-weatherford-man/

https://casetext.com/case/wheeler-v-city-of-searcy

https://www.thv11.com/article/news/crime/unsolved/jarrod-green-disappearance-unsolved/91-9dbb0f4d-07f8-479f-87ba-55d3f506c982

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Book a cruise with Murder and Mimosas:
https://saltykissestravel.com/truecrimehalloween

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murder.mimosas@gmail.com


https://uppbeat.io/t/the-wayward-hearts/a-calm-hellfire

License code: ZJZ99QK39IWFF0FB