Show Notes
Introducing:
Papi Killed Mommy
“Papi Killed Mommy” is a true crime podcast told from the inside—by the daughter of the woman who was murdered. In 1993, 10-year-old Nikki was woken by police pulling her from bed. Her mother had been murdered just hours after making plans to leave her abusive boyfriend—the man who fathered Nikki’s little sister. In the back of a squad car, that 3-year-old sister repeated a phrase that would echo through the decades: “Papi killed Mommy.” Now, more than 30 years later, Nikki is breaking her silence. This podcast dives deep into what happened that night, the red flags that were missed, and the justice system that failed them. Raw, personal, and investigative—“Papi Killed Mommy” isn’t just about the crime. It’s about what was never done.
Available on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/papi-killed-mommy/id1809655183
More from Navigating Advocacy
Melissa and Whitney revisit the death of CU Boulder student Megan Trussell, a 19-year-old film major found in Boulder Canyon after leaving her dorm on February 9, 2025. Officials ruled her death a suicide, but her family and many others have unanswered questions and note the investigative gaps, including missing phone and purse, limited video footage, injuries, and evidence they say was not fully tested.
In October 2006, 29-year-old mom, volunteer firefighter, and Army veteran Margaret Haddican McEnroe vanished from her Warren Township, New Jersey home after a tense period in her marriage; her baby was left alone, and her car, wallet, and most belongings remained. For six days, her family wasn’t even told she was missing, and early assumptions delayed an urgent investigation. As questions grew around shifting timelines and an alleged domestic dispute, Margaret’s sister Adrienne pushed for accountability and renewed attention, stressing how advocacy can keep a missing loved one from being dismissed or forgotten.
Brandon Lawson disappeared off of the side of Highway 277 just outside of Bronte, Texas. After running out of gas, calling his brother, Kyle, and a chilling 911 call, Brandon remained missing for over 8 years.
In this episode of Navigating Advocacy, we’re joined by two well-known voices in true crime podcasting—Tim Pilleri and Lance Reenstierna of Crawlspace Media.
Alex VanDalsen was a free-spirited 21-year-old who disappeared on February 3, 2021, after leaving his home in Lafayette, Indiana. Days later, his body was found in suspicious circumstances, leading to questions about the initial investigation, which quickly ruled his death a suicide. Despite clear inconsistencies and a lack of thorough investigation, Alex's family continues to seek justice and answers for his mysterious death.