Episode 9: After All This Chaos — Summary of "My Friend Daisy"

Release Date: May 14, 2025
Produced by London Audio and iHeartRadio
Hosted by Jenn Swann

Introduction

In Episode 9, titled "After All This Chaos," of the investigative series "My Friend Daisy," host Jenn Swann delves into the emotional and procedural aftermath of the murder conviction of Victor Sosa for the death of 19-year-old Daisy De La O. This episode explores the intense courtroom experiences, the personal anguish of Daisy's family, and the pursuit of deeper understanding through direct communication with the convicted individual.

The Verdict: A Moment of Truth

The episode opens with a tense atmosphere outside the Compton courthouse. Susie, Daisy's mother, awaits the jury's decision with palpable anxiety.

At [03:45], the gavel strikes as Victor Sosa is declared guilty:

Victor Sosa: "We, the jury, in the above entitled action, find the defendant, Victor Sosa, guilty of the crime of the murder of Daisy de La O."

Susie's immediate reaction is a mix of relief and enduring sorrow:

Susie: "I have no words," she conveys her profound gratitude to prosecutor Leslie Hinshaw ([03:54]). Her emotions overwhelm her as she embraces the closure she desperately sought.

Susie: "Nothing could get back what I'd already lost. Nothing could change what had already happened. If anything, the verdict only made her daughter's death feel more real, more final" ([05:24]).

Sentencing Hearing: Seeking Justice

Five months following the guilty verdict, on October 12, 2022, Victor Sosa attends his sentencing hearing. The courtroom is filled with nervous anticipation as Daisy's family and friends seek further justice.

During the hearing, Susie delivers a heartfelt and powerful statement ([06:51]):

Susie: "He is a parasite. He viciously murdered her and left her exposed to the world like she was nothing. I have to keep my peace is that he remains behind bars for the rest of his pathetic life so he won't hurt anybody again. I will love her to the end of my days, and I can't wait to see her again."

Victor, confronting his actions, shares his torment and remorse:

Victor Sosa: "I cry every single day. A smell, a song, anything reminds me of her. My sons are diagnosed with depression. All consequences to actions of this monster" ([08:17]).

The judge sentences Victor to 25 years to life in prison, with parole eligibility after the first 25 years ([09:21]).

Prosecutor’s Reflection: Beyond Victory

Leslie Hinshaw, the deputy district attorney, reflects on the verdict's significance ([09:50]):

Leslie Hinshaw: "When I get guilty verdicts, I don't. It's not a celebration, because in the end, there is somebody on the other side who has ruined his life. And, you know, for me, it's all about consequences and accountability. That's what it's about."

Her focus remains on providing closure to Daisy's family rather than celebrating a legal victory, highlighting the complex emotions intertwined with criminal justice.

Pursuit of Answers: Susie’s Investigation

Despite the legal resolutions, Susie grapples with lingering questions about Victor's motives and background. Determined to uncover the truth, she embarks on a personal investigation:

1. Attempting to Contact Victor's Family:

   • Visits Victor's mother and father's homes, both guarded and unresponsive, indicating a reluctance to engage ([11:24]).
   • Meets a relative who hints at Victor's deep connection to Daisy, mentioning a tattoo of Daisy's face and a photo of her in his mother's living room.

2. Reaching Out Directly:

   • Writes a letter to Victor at R.J. Donovan Correctional Facility, hoping to establish communication.
   • Initially receives no response, leading Susie to believe Victor may never speak with her.

The Interview with Victor Sosa: Unveiling the Truth

Against expectations, Susie receives a response from Victor, leading to a scheduled interview via the prison's messaging app, Global Tellink. The interaction unfolds as follows:

1. Initial Hesitation and Reluctance:

   • Victor agrees to the interview but appears disinterested, possibly seeking attention or influence over his parole prospects.

2. Victor’s Confession ([21:09] - [34:02]):

   • Victor Sosa recounts the events leading to Daisy's death, driven by jealousy and emotional instability.

   Victor: "I admit I was jealous. I would go through her phone and find things. I was feeling depressed. I was feeling jealous, insecure. Throughout the whole relationship, I felt like I wasn't good enough. I should have sought counsel."

   • Describes the altercation:

   Victor: "I was drunk. I was in denial and, like, feeling very depressed. I was crying to her, like, please take me back. Please take me back. She was annoyed by me already."

   • Details the moment of violence and subsequent remorse:

   Victor: "I grabbed her, took her to the alley, and let her go. She fell on the ground. I was gonna walk away. I was like, what did I do? I picked up a knife. I just feel so depressed. I just wish I could have been someone better to her."

   • Expresses ongoing regret and understanding of the pain caused:

   Victor: "I wish I could take it back and not do the things that happened that night again. I wish I had sought help. I had dreams of saving her life, saving Daisy's life. And I wake up and I feel so depressed. Forever sorry."

Susie's efforts culminate in this revelation, providing a deeper, albeit tragic, understanding of the circumstances surrounding Daisy's murder.

Conclusion: The Lingering Impact

"After All This Chaos" poignantly illustrates the relentless pursuit of justice and truth by Daisy's family. Despite legal conclusions, the emotional journey continues as Susie seeks personal closure and understanding. The episode underscores the profound effects of violence on all involved parties and highlights the role of social media in mobilizing community support and facilitating unconventional investigative avenues.

As the series approaches its finale, listeners are left contemplating the complexities of justice, reconciliation, and the enduring quest for peace in the wake of tragedy.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. Susie on Being a "Son of a Killer":

   Daisy: "Every time I hear about my dad is, oh, he's a killer. He's just straight evil." ([00:14])

   Daisy: "At the end of the day, I'm literally a son of a killer." ([00:23])

2. Susie Reflecting on the Verdict:

   Susie: "Nothing could get back what I'd already lost... It's the little things you miss after all this chaos." ([05:24])

3. Victor’s Remorse:

   Victor Sosa: "I cry every single day... my sons are diagnosed with depression." ([08:17])

4. Prosecutor Leslie Hinshaw on Accountability:

   Leslie Hinshaw: "When I get guilty verdicts, I don't. It's not a celebration... It's about consequences and accountability." ([09:50])

5. Victor's Confession:

   Victor Sosa: "I am forever sorry... I wish I could have been someone better to her." ([33:11])

Speaker Attribution

• Susie: Daisy De La O's mother, central figure seeking justice and closure.
• Victor Sosa: Convicted murderer of Daisy De La O, providing a rare personal confession.
• Leslie Hinshaw: Deputy District Attorney responsible for prosecuting Victor Sosa.
• Jenn Swann: Host and narrator of "My Friend Daisy."
• Paris Hilton: Executive producer and recurring voice in episode transitions.

Final Thoughts

Episode 9 of "My Friend Daisy" offers a compelling exploration of the emotional and procedural dimensions of a murder case. Through firsthand accounts and poignant interviews, Jenn Swann effectively captures the enduring pain, the quest for justice, and the intricate human emotions that persist long after a courtroom verdict. This episode serves as a testament to the resilience of communities and families striving to find meaning and closure amidst chaos.