My Friend Daisy – Episode 4: Another Death in Compton

Release Date: April 9, 2025
Host/Author: Jenn Swann
Produced by: London Audio, iHeartRadio, Executive Producer Paris Hilton

Introduction

In Episode 4: Another Death in Compton of the investigative series My Friend Daisy, host Jenn Swann delves deeper into the harrowing aftermath of Daisy De La O's unsolved murder. This episode not only revisits the tragic case but also explores the broader implications of systemic failures within law enforcement and the devastating impact on the community. Through personal testimonies and investigative insights, Swann uncovers the layers of frustration, fear, and determination that drive Daisy's friends and family to seek justice beyond conventional means.

The Tragic Murder of Daisy De La O

The episode opens with Jenn Swann recounting the night Daisy De La O was murdered outside her Compton apartment. The lack of immediate answers and the enigmatic nature of Daisy's death left her family and friends in a state of confusion and despair.

• Wendy Valdivia, a neighbor and close friend of Daisy's family, reflects on the shock and disbelief surrounding Daisy's disappearance:

  "It was hard. Like, how can it happen? And nobody saw nothing, nobody heard anything." [00:56]

Daisy's mother, Susie De La O, struggled to comprehend her daughter's sudden absence, attributing it initially to Daisy spending the night with her ex-boyfriend, Victor Sosa. However, this assumption was shattered the next day when Susie identified Daisy's body.

Investigation Challenges and Police Response

The primary investigation was led by Detective Ray Lugo of the LA County Sheriff's Department. Despite Susie's persistent efforts to obtain updates, the detectives offered limited information, leading to growing frustration and distrust.

• Susie described her interactions with Detective Lugo:

  "He was empathetic, but evasive. The investigation was ongoing and he couldn't say much." [04:30]

Detectives employed a "six-pack" method—a modern adaptation of the police lineup—where witnesses were shown six photographs (one suspect and five fillers) to identify the perpetrator. Both Juan (Daisy's grandfather) and Jeffrey (Wendy's son) were unable to positively identify Victor Sosa, casting doubt on his involvement.

• Juan recounts his experience during the identification process:

  "I decided that one of the faces staring back at me did look like the person I saw in the window that night." [13:00]

However, the chosen photo was of a filler, not Victor, leading to further complications in the investigation.

Detective Lugo highlighted the limitations of forensic evidence:

"A lot of it depended on the DNA evidence... It doesn't happen like on the TV shows. It doesn't happen overnight." [16:44]

Despite attempts to track Victor through his cell phone data, detectives failed to locate him, leaving the case without a key suspect.

Community Frustration and Erosion of Trust

The lack of progress in Daisy's case fueled a sense of abandonment and anger within the Compton community. Susie feared that Daisy's case was not being taken seriously due to racial biases.

• Susie expressed her concerns:

  "My biggest fear was that Daisy's case wouldn't be taken seriously because she wasn't white." [21:20]

Academic studies corroborate Susie's fears, indicating that white homicide victims receive more media attention and higher clearance rates compared to non-white victims.

• Daisy's friend shared her perspective on law enforcement's handling of the case:

  "The cops, she said, half ass. Everything in our communities, especially in Compton, they become so desensitized to violence that they forget it's someone's daughter on the floor, stabbed to death." [25:03]

The emotional toll on Daisy's close ones was profound, leading to Wendy Valdivia experiencing an unimaginable personal tragedy when her own son, Jeffrey, was murdered the following year.

The Murder of Jeffrey Valdivia

Approximately three years after Daisy's murder, Wendy's son, Jeffrey Valdivia, was fatally shot. The authorities' indifferent response mirrored the earlier frustrations Daisy's family faced.

• Wendy recounted her experience at the hospital:

  "The sheriffs were standing outside his room and wouldn't let me inside. They took my car for about three days... they hold my car for evidence of what my son's killing." [24:42]

Despite reaching out, Wendy received no substantial information from Detective Lugo or other law enforcement officials, exacerbating her sense of isolation and grief.

Community Mobilization and the Rise of Social Media

Faced with ineffective law enforcement, Daisy's friends and family turned to social media as a tool to galvanize support and pursue justice independently.

• Wendy contemplated community action:

  "I would tell other people too. Like, hey, you want to meet up and look for him? I'd be so down." [29:10]

This shift underscores a growing trend where marginalized communities leverage platforms like TikTok to amplify their voices and seek accountability, especially when traditional systems fail them.

Conclusion and Future Directions

Another Death in Compton poignantly illustrates the compounded trauma of losing loved ones to unsolved murders and the systemic hurdles in securing justice. As Daisy's friends and family grapple with their losses, their narrative highlights the urgent need for reform in how law enforcement addresses cases in communities of color. The episode sets the stage for subsequent installments, promising to explore the continuation of these struggles and the community's resilience in the face of adversity.

Notable Quotes

• Wendy Valdivia:

  "It was hard. Like, how can it happen? And nobody saw nothing, nobody heard anything." [00:56]

• Juan (Daisy's Grandfather):

  "I decided that one of the faces staring back at me did look like the person I saw in the window that night." [13:00]

• Susie De La O:

  "My biggest fear was that Daisy's case wouldn't be taken seriously because she wasn't white." [21:20]

• Daisy's Friend:

  "The cops, she said, half ass. Everything in our communities, especially in Compton, they become so desensitized to violence that they forget it's someone's daughter on the floor, stabbed to death." [25:03]

• Wendy Valdivia:

  "I feel like Compton Sheriffs are just like, oh, another death. It's okay. Oh, another death. Who cares?" [25:34]

Final Thoughts

My Friend Daisy continues to shed light on the intersection of personal tragedy and systemic shortcomings, offering listeners a raw and unfiltered look into the quest for justice within underrepresented communities. Episode 4 serves as a compelling chapter in this narrative, emphasizing the resilience of those left behind and their unwavering determination to seek answers.