My Friend Daisy - Episode 6: Armed and Dangerous
Release Date: April 23, 2025
Host: Jenn Swann
Produced by: London Audio, iHeartRadio, Paris Hilton

Introduction

In Episode 6, titled "Armed and Dangerous," of the investigative series My Friend Daisy, host Jenn Swann delves into the complexities surrounding the murder of 19-year-old Daisy De La O in Compton. This episode explores the intersection of traditional law enforcement efforts and the burgeoning power of social media in community-led investigations. As Daisy's friends and family grew frustrated with the lack of progress from authorities, they harnessed platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook to amplify their search for justice, ultimately igniting an international manhunt for Daisy's killer, Victor Hugo Sosa.

Interview with Detective Ray Lugo

Jenn Swann conducts an in-depth interview with Detective Ray Lugo, the lead investigator on Daisy's case. Lugo, a seasoned detective with 28 years in the Homicide Bureau of the LA County Sheriff's Department, provides insights into the procedural challenges and emotional toll of the investigation.

[02:05] Detective Ray Lugo: "I want to show them some pictures."

Lugo describes his role as not just a law enforcement officer but as someone deeply connected to the community he serves. His upbringing in East Los Angeles and his personal experiences during the Stella riots shaped his dedication to solving crimes and protecting his neighborhood.

[04:37] Detective Lugo: "We never give up. Even when we don't have any evidence, we just never give up. We find a way, a legal way to try to find the suspects and convict them."

Investigation Challenges

The episode highlights the initial hurdles in the investigation, including the absence of witnesses and the poor quality of available evidence. Daisy's case was deemed difficult because, unlike straightforward domestic cases, there were no clear leads or direct motives.

[08:34] Detective Lugo: "It didn't happen that quick unless, you know, a husband kills his wife and, you know, he's there. That’s easy. But this wasn't as easy as people thought."

The sole piece of substantial evidence was Daisy's blood, which was later processed and entered into the FBI's Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). This led to a pivotal moment in the case when Daisy's blood matched that of Victor Hugo Sosa, a suspect with a prior assault record.

Social Media's Role in the Manhunt

As the investigation stagnated, Daisy's friends and family turned to social media to keep her case in the public eye. They created and disseminated content across platforms like TikTok and Instagram, which inadvertently placed Detective Lugo's personal cell number in the public domain.

[06:03] Detective Lugo: "They put out my number, my cell number. So I was getting calls from all over."

The viral nature of their posts led to an influx of tips from amateur sleuths nationwide, particularly from college students who identified potential matches based on Victor's distinctive appearance—dark hair, stretched earlobes, and large gauges.

[06:30] Detective Lugo: "I got calls from the University of Texas, University of Arizona, many calls here in Los Angeles."

Despite the increased attention, Lugo maintained that law enforcement needed concrete evidence before making any arrests, emphasizing the importance of due process.

Community's Frustration and Vigilantism

The delayed public announcement of Victor's status as a suspect fueled frustration within the community. Activist Valerie Panato exemplifies this sentiment, expressing anger towards the Sheriff's Department for the perceived inaction.

[17:35] Valerie Panato: "I'm ready to go out and catch him myself. We need rope and a bat because he won't go down without a fight."

Valerie's distrust in the police was rooted in prior negative experiences, including instances of racial profiling and overreach, which made her skeptical of relying solely on authorities for justice.

[28:29] Valerie Panato: "Like one time I got racially profiled. It was bad... I was kind of scared."

Her resolve to take matters into her own hands highlights a broader issue of community members feeling compelled to supplement or bypass official channels when they perceive a lack of responsiveness.

The CODIS Breakthrough and Its Timing

A critical turning point in the investigation was the CODIS hit received in mid-March, three weeks post-murder. Despite this significant lead, Detective Lugo and his team chose to delay publicizing Victor's information, aiming to collaborate closely with his family in hopes of locating him without external interference.

[23:04] Jenn Swann: "The CODIS hit came back in the middle of March, just three weeks after Daisy's murder... What might have happened if the detectives had put out Victor's name and photo after they first got this CODIS hit?"

The timing of the Sheriff's Department's public announcement in June coincided with the viral spread of Victor's image on social media, leading to confusion and frustration among the community who felt the delay hindered the investigation.

Victor Sosa: The Suspect

Victor Hugo Sosa, a 25-year-old with a prior assault record, became the primary suspect after his DNA matched the blood found at the crime scene. Described by Detective Lugo as "awkward" and "antisocial," Victor's profile painted him as someone who might evade capture through unconventional means like skate parks and public transportation.

[20:24] Detective Lugo: "He couldn't keep a job. He's too weird to keep a job. It's just so awkward and almost weird."

Despite these characteristics, Victor had no extensive criminal history beyond the assault, making the case against him reliant heavily on forensic evidence rather than behavioral patterns.

Community Impact and Ongoing Tensions

The episode underscores the psychological strain on Daisy's neighbors and loved ones, who lived in a state of constant fear and uncertainty. The community's reliance on social media for updates and support reflects a shift in how modern investigative efforts are conducted, blending official procedures with grassroots activism.

[27:35] Valerie Panato: "It seemed like it didn't matter, you know, that this is death."

Valerie's determination to secure justice for Daisy, despite mistrust in the authorities, encapsulates the episode's central theme: the evolving dynamics between law enforcement and the communities they serve in the digital age.

Conclusion

"Armed and Dangerous" intricately weaves the narrative of Daisy De La O's tragic murder with the broader implications of social media's role in contemporary criminal investigations. Through Detective Ray Lugo's account and the passionate efforts of Daisy's supporters, the episode illuminates the challenges and ethical dilemmas faced when traditional law enforcement intersects with the democratizing force of online platforms. As the search for Victor Hugo Sosa continues, the episode leaves listeners contemplating the balance between collaborative community efforts and the indispensable role of trained investigators in achieving justice.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• [04:37] Detective Ray Lugo: "We never give up. Even when we don't have any evidence, we just never give up. We find a way, a legal way to try to find the suspects and convict them."

• [08:34] Detective Ray Lugo: "It didn't happen that quick unless, you know, a husband kills his wife and, you know, he's there. That’s easy. But this wasn't as easy as people thought."

• [17:35] Valerie Panato: "I'm ready to go out and catch him myself. We need rope and a bat because he won't go down without a fight."

• [20:24] Detective Ray Lugo: "He couldn't keep a job. He's too weird to keep a job. It's just so awkward and almost weird."

• [27:35] Valerie Panato: "It seemed like it didn't matter, you know, that this is death."

Key Takeaways

• Social Media as a Double-Edged Sword: While platforms like TikTok and Instagram empowered Daisy's community to seek justice, they also complicated the investigation by spreading unverified information and personal contact details of law enforcement officers.

• Trust and Distrust in Law Enforcement: Historical tensions and negative experiences with the police influenced the community's response to Daisy's murder, highlighting the need for building trust between authorities and the communities they serve.

• Importance of Timely Communication: The delay in publicizing Victor Sosa as a suspect created frustration and skepticism, emphasizing the crucial role of transparent and timely communication in maintaining public trust during investigations.

• Community Vigilantism vs. Official Investigation: Valerie Panato's actions illustrate the fine line between community support and vigilantism, raising questions about the best ways to involve and empower communities without undermining official investigative processes.

For those who haven't listened to My Friend Daisy, Episode 6: "Armed and Dangerous" offers a compelling exploration of how digital activism intersects with traditional law enforcement in the pursuit of justice. It sheds light on the human emotions and societal dynamics that drive community-led investigations in the modern age.