My Friend Daisy: Episode 7 - "Karma"
Release Date: April 30, 2025
Host: Jenn Swann | Production: London Audio, iHeartRadio, Executive Producer Paris Hilton

Introduction

In Episode 7, titled "Karma," of the gripping ten-part investigative series My Friend Daisy, host Jenn Swann delves deeper into the unraveling murder investigation of 19-year-old Daisy De La O. This episode focuses on the pivotal moments that led to the arrest of Daisy’s alleged killer, Victor Sosa, and the ensuing trial that captivated both the local community and an international audience galvanized by social media support.

The Call That Changed Everything

The episode begins on a tense morning, July 1, 2021, when Susie, one of Daisy’s close friends, receives a crucial phone call from her cousin Mimi Garcia. Mimi manages the "Justice for Daisy" Instagram account and alerts Susie about a potential sighting of Victor, Daisy’s murder suspect, in Mexico.

Susie recounts the moment Mimi insists she pull over to receive the news:

"[00:48] Susie: Susie agreed, and that’s when her cousin shared the news. Somebody had messaged the 'Justice for Daisy' Instagram account claiming to have seen Victor, or 'Billy,' as he was allegedly going by, working at a bar in Mexico."

The Suspicious Video

Mimi receives a suspicious video that purportedly shows Victor at a popular nightclub in Baja, Mexico. Despite the dubious nature of the source demanding money for the video, Mimi manages to obtain a screenshot to verify Victor’s identity. Susie examines the photo and immediately recognizes Victor, despite discrepancies like his bleached hair and absence of visible tattoos.

Susie describes her realization:

"[05:04] Susie: She knew instantly it was him. 'This man so casually smoking a cigarette at a bar. This was the man who had murdered her daughter.' [05:04]

This confirmation spurs Susie to contact Detective Luco, only to find that the authorities appear indifferent, having already received another tip about Victor, which complicates the urgency of her discovery.

The Detective's Investigation

Detective Sanchez, a key figure in the investigation, shares how the call from the Rosarito Police Department in Mexico unexpectedly surfaces Victor Sosa in custody. Suspicious timing and Victor’s presence at one of the world’s busiest border crossings during the chaotic Fourth of July weekend raises red flags.

Detective Sanchez reflects on the abruptness of the arrest:

"[09:17] Detective Sanchez: 'Oh, man. I get a phone call from our office. I want to transfer a phone call to me some comandante from some police in Mexico.' [09:38]

Despite the excitement of capturing the suspect, Detective Sanchez receives Victor's Miranda warning, leading to an immediate halt in the interrogation as Victor exercises his right to remain silent, leaving the investigation at a critical impasse.

Arrest and Aftermath

Following Victor’s arrest, Susie leverages social media to publicly announce the news, expressing profound relief and gratitude towards the community's support.

Susie shares her public statement:

"[18:21] Susie: 'My life was brutally destroyed by the murder of my only daughter. Thanks to all of you, this bastard is behind bars.'" [18:21]

Daisy’s friend, Rebecca Fuentes, amplifies the victory by posting a TikTok duet announcing Victor’s capture, which further mobilizes their community to demand continued justice.

The Trial

As the legal proceedings begin, the episode meticulously outlines the intense period leading up to Victor’s arraignment and the subsequent trial. Daisy’s family and friends demonstrate unwavering support, attending every hearing despite delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and procedural setbacks.

Inside the courtroom, the prosecution presents a robust case built on extensive forensic evidence, including DNA found on Daisy’s belongings linking Victor to the crime. However, Victor’s defense attorney, A.J. Bain, methodically challenges the prosecution’s reliance on DNA evidence, questioning the integrity of the forensic process and suggesting possible investigative oversights.

Detective Sanchez critiques the defense’s approach:

"[26:53] Detective Sanchez: 'The detective didn’t do a lot of detecting. They didn’t show any of the evidence to anyone either. The family, hey, is this yours? Is this Sosa’s? Is this Ms. De la Ho’s?'" [26:53]

The defense strategy extends to discrediting witness testimonies, including those of Daisy’s neighbors, by highlighting inconsistencies and casting doubt on their observations. This tactic aims to sow reasonable doubt in the jury’s mind, despite the compelling evidence presented by the prosecution.

Human Stories and Community Impact

Throughout the trial, My Friend Daisy highlights the emotional toll on Daisy’s family and friends. Rebecca Fuentes and Susie provide intimate insights into their struggles and unwavering commitment to seeking justice for Daisy. The episode also touches on the broader implications of the case, illustrating how Daisy’s murder and the subsequent trial have galvanized the community to advocate for more effective law enforcement and social media’s role in modern-day justice.

Conclusion

Episode 7, "Karma," of My Friend Daisy masterfully captures the complexities of pursuing justice in a high-stakes murder case. Through detailed narratives, interviews, and emotional testimonies, Jenn Swann paints a vivid picture of the relentless pursuit to honor Daisy’s memory. The episode underscores the power of community solidarity and the transformative impact of social media in contemporary investigative efforts.

Notable concluding moments include the emotional testimonies from Daisy’s family and friends, and the poignant reflections on the ongoing battle for justice in the face of systemic challenges.

Notable Quotes:

• Susie on recognizing Victor:

  "[05:04] Susie: 'This was the man who had murdered her daughter.'"

• Detective Sanchez on the arrest:

  "[10:20] Susie: 'Holy crap. The murder suspect that had been on the run for months...'"

• Susie on the trial’s impact:

  "[21:22] Susie: 'This is a high crime area...'"

• Victor Sosa during trial:

  "[22:17] Victor Sosa: 'He's a coward. He knows exactly what he did...'"

Key Takeaways:

• Community Mobilization: The use of social media platforms like TikTok played a pivotal role in sustaining the momentum of Daisy’s case, enabling friends and family to amplify their search for justice.

• Investigative Challenges: The episode highlights the hurdles faced by law enforcement, including jurisdictional issues and procedural delays, especially during a pandemic.

• Legal Strategies: The defense's approach to dismantling forensic evidence and witness credibility underscores the complexities of the legal system in high-profile cases.

• Emotional Resilience: Daisy’s family and friends exemplify unwavering strength and determination in their quest for justice, despite numerous setbacks and emotional tolls.

Final Thoughts:

"Karma" serves as a compelling chapter in My Friend Daisy, illustrating the intricate dance between community activism, law enforcement, and the legal system. Jenn Swann’s insightful storytelling not only sheds light on the specifics of Daisy De La O’s tragic case but also invites listeners to reflect on the broader societal issues surrounding justice and communal support.