My Friend Daisy

Episode 2: Jane Doe
Release Date: March 26, 2025
Host: Jenn Swann
Produced by: London Audio, iHeartRadio, Executive Producer Paris Hilton

Introduction

In the second episode of My Friend Daisy, titled "Jane Doe," Jenn Swann delves deeper into the mysterious circumstances surrounding the murder of 19-year-old Daisy De La O in Compton. This episode focuses on the initial discovery of Daisy's body, the ensuing investigation, and the pivotal role that social media, particularly TikTok, played in rallying the community to seek justice.

Discovery of the Crime Scene

The episode opens with a vivid description of the morning of February 23, 2021, when police discovered Daisy's body under a rug outside her apartment in Compton.

"It was a big, 5ft wide by 8ft long rug. And from a few steps back, it was hard to tell that there was anything underneath it." [02:15]

An LA County Sheriff's Department officer arrives at the scene, dons blue latex gloves, and begins the investigation.

"You're gonna have a 245," he states, referring to the police code for assault with a deadly weapon. [03:45]

Initial Investigation and Challenges

Detectives Leopoldo Sanchez and his partner are introduced as they arrive at the crime scene. Sanchez, a relatively new detective in the homicide bureau, reflects on his limited familiarity with Compton.

"I don't know the streets like Long Beach goes through Compton. I don't know." [15:30]

The initial police efforts to gather information are met with little success. Officers canvass the area, questioning residents about any suspicious activities or surveillance footage, but receive minimal cooperation.

"Did you guys hear anything last night or anything?" [20:10]

Despite multiple attempts, the officers find no leads, highlighting the difficulties of investigating in a community rife with distrust and previous violence.

Key Witness: Jose Tayas

Jose Tayas, the building manager, becomes a crucial witness. Although initially lacking detailed information, his intuition prompts him to reach out to Daisy's grandfather, Juan de la O.

"Maybe it was one of the sex workers," Jose suggests, indicating potential leads that the police initially overlook. [30:50]

Family Impact and Identification

The episode shifts focus to Daisy's family, particularly her mother, Susie Salas, and her brother, Jeffrey.

Susie Salas' Desperation

Susie receives a distressing call from a detective, prompting her to rush home to find Daisy's body.

"I remember screaming, cursing, begging to know what had happened." [40:20]

Her emotional breakdown underscores the personal tragedy and the family's anguish.

Jeffrey's Crucial Role

Jeffrey, Daisy's 13-year-old nephew, plays a pivotal role in identifying Daisy's body. Initially hesitant, he eventually confirms Daisy's identity, preventing her from being classified as a Jane Doe.

"That kid deserves a lot of credit." – Detective Leopoldo Sanchez [50:05]

Jeffrey's involvement highlights the importance of community and familial support in solving such cases.

The Role of TikTok and Community Involvement

Jenn Swann emphasizes the significant impact of TikTok in mobilizing amateur detectives and raising awareness about Daisy's case. The platform becomes a tool for the community to share information, theories, and advocate for justice.

"Their secret weapon? TikTok!" [58:30]

This digital involvement marks a shift in how communities engage with law enforcement and pursue justice in the modern age.

Conclusion and Upcoming Insights

The episode concludes by setting the stage for future discussions, promising to uncover more about Daisy's life, the investigation's progress, and the broader implications for communities turning to social media to combat crime.

"Next time on My Friend Daisy, I wanted to know the things that body cameras and autopsies couldn't tell me. And for that, I knew I had to talk to the people who knew Daisy." [1:05:45]

Notable Quotes

• "This was not a situation that called for resuscitation. It was one that required an investigation." – Jenn Swann [05:00]
• "I don't know the streets like Long Beach goes through Compton. I don't know." – Detective Leopoldo Sanchez [15:30]
• "Their secret weapon? TikTok!" – Jenn Swann [58:30]
• "That kid deserves a lot of credit." – Detective Leopoldo Sanchez [50:05]

Key Takeaways

• Community Involvement: The episode highlights the critical role that community members and social media platforms like TikTok play in solving crimes, especially when official investigations hit dead ends.

• Impact on Family: The emotional toll on Daisy's family is portrayed, emphasizing the personal side of crime investigations beyond the procedural aspects.

• Challenges in Law Enforcement: The difficulties faced by detectives in gathering leads in areas with high crime rates and community distrust are evident, showcasing systemic issues within law enforcement.

Conclusion

"Jane Doe" serves as a poignant exploration of the intersection between personal tragedy, community activism, and modern investigative techniques. Jenn Swann effectively captures the complexity of Daisy De La O's case, setting the groundwork for an in-depth examination of justice, memory, and the power of collective effort in the episodes to come.

Listen to Episode 2: Jane Doe on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, or your preferred podcast platform.