22. The Billboard He Can't Ignore

CONTENT WARNING: This episode discusses homicide, domestic violence, childhood trauma, and contains strong language. What happens when one advocacy conference changes the direction of a 33-year fight for justice? In Episode 22, I return from AdvocacyCon with new connections, new opportunities, and one idea I cannot let go of: placing my mother's face on a billboard near the Phoenix neighborhood where Russell Bennett Peterson lives. A month ago, I did not believe I could afford to attend. Then a scholarship, an extraordinary supporter named Lori, my mother's longtime friend Swifty, a tiny celebrity named Dickie Birdie, and an entire community came together to get me there. I returned with potential new media coverage, a consultation with a husband-and-wife investigative team, interest from Patrick Hinds and investigative journalist Stephanie Tinsley—and a renewed determination to ensure Stacy Marie Wasilishin is never forgotten. I also learned that Russell—now calling himself "Rusty" on Facebook—may be listening to this podcast and watching my content. So naturally, I welcomed him personally. The independent documentarian working on Mom's case would still like a comment from him. I would still love to sit across from him and have a recorded conversation. After 33 years, he has certainly had enough time to prepare. Russell Bennett Peterson has never been charged or convicted in connection with Stacy's homicide and is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. In this episode, I share an emotional update about reconnecting with my younger sister, announce the first case I plan to cover in Season Two, and explain how a stranger's flyer introduced me to Dorothy Miller—an Iowa grandmother whose 1969 murder remains Burlington's oldest cold case. Then there is the telephone directory. The Library of Congress located a 1993 Phoenix telephone directory on microfilm and agreed to search it for the number called approximately four minutes before Russell called 911. Unredacted case information identified that number as belonging to Russell's father, Ken Peterson. A historical listing would not reveal who answered or what was said—but it could document who held that telephone number when my mother was killed. It is one more piece of work that should have been completed in 1993. Finding the phone book no one found. Asking the questions no one asked. Following the evidence others abandoned. And putting the billboard where the right person might finally see it. WATCH THE ALBUQUERQUE NEWS COVERAGE: A local Albuquerque news crew came to AdvocacyCon intending to cover New Mexico families. I shamelessly pitched Mom's case anyway—and they came back. Stacy's face and Papi Killed Mommy reached an entirely new audience: https://youtu.be/qofQKUFN6xo?is=A7dc7a6aq6crcJlF HELP PUT STACY'S FACE ON A BILLBOARD: Support the billboard campaign: https://gofund.me/439db13dd My goal is to place Stacy's face, name, and tip line near 19th Avenue and Bethany Home Road in Phoenix—where Russell, his family, friends, neighbors, or someone with information may see it. CONFIDENTIAL FAMILY TIP LINE: Call or text: 602-888-6399 This independently operated tip line is not affiliated with law enforcement. Please preserve any original messages, photographs, recordings, or documents. You may also contact the Sedona Police Department directly. #928-203-5002 SUBMIT STACY'S CASE TO CRIME JUNKIE: We still have not received an answer from Crime Junkie. If you have three minutes, please submit the homicide of Stephanie "Stacy" Marie Wasilishin: https://suggest.audiochuckcases.com/ CONTACT MORBID: Ash and Alaina have already helped Papi Killed Mommy reach thousands of new listeners and chart on Apple Podcasts. Please respectfully ask whether they can share or support Stacy's billboard campaign: [email protected] Please keep every message courteous, concise, and focused on Stacy, her case, and the billboard. Questions, sponsorships, billboard connections, or media inquiries: [email protected] Thirty-three years later, Stacy's daughters are still here. We are still asking. We are still investigating. We are still fighting. And we are not going away.