Podcast Summary

Podcast: Amy Robach & T.J. Holmes Present
Episode: D4vd Officially A Suspect In Death of 15 Year Old Found Decomposing In His Tesla
Date: November 19, 2025
Hosts: Amy Robach & T.J. Holmes

Overview

This episode covers the dramatic and disturbing developments in the ongoing investigation into the death of 15-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose dismembered and decomposing body was found in the trunk of a Tesla belonging to rising neo soul singer D4vd (pronounced “David,” real name: David Anthony Burke). Amy and T.J. break down the timeline, why it took months for D4vd to be named an official suspect, the known details about the victim, speculation about the nature of their relationship, and what happens next in this chilling case.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Slow Progress of the Investigation

• D4vd officially named a suspect:
  • T.J. summarizes the breaking news: "Singer David is now finally and formally being called a suspect in the death of a 15 year old girl who was found in the trunk of his car." (03:10)
• Lingering questions and frustrations:
  • Amy expresses confusion and concern about the lag: "Why was David not named a suspect immediately or at least within a few days or weeks? And number two, why have they not ruled this a homicide yet?" (03:38)
• Family’s waiting and pain:
  • The hosts emphasize how long it has taken for police action, noting that Celeste’s body was found in early September and only now is D4vd formally under suspicion. (03:38–04:18)

Gruesome Details and Growing Complexity

• Circumstances of Celeste’s death:
  • T.J. describes the shocking discovery: "Dismembered and body decomposing is how she was found." (04:18)
  • Amy notes the official police position: they believe more than one person may have been involved due to the body’s condition. (05:00–06:36)
  • T.J. muses: "That detail expands this story, makes it... Now we're talking about suspects. Possibility of several people being a part..." (06:38)

D4vd’s Behavior and Public Reception

• D4vd’s silence and touring:
  • T.J. highlights how strange it is that D4vd performed on stage the day after Celeste’s body was found: "Stone cold silence... The following day he's on a stage in Minneapolis continuing his tour. Yes, that is cold." (07:22–07:42)
• Amy: “You don’t go on stage and sing and, you know, be adored by fans” right after such an event. (08:02)
• D4vd has now ceased cooperating:
  • Amy brings up a new development: “Police have said now that he is no longer cooperating with police.” (09:35)
• Presumption of innocence:
  • T.J. cautions listeners: “He is innocent until proven otherwise... we just don’t know.” (09:43)

The D4vd/Celeste Connection: Relationship, Online Evidence, and Lyrics

• Speculation about their relationship:
  • Amy: “We still actually don’t even have full confirmation that David was in a relationship with Celeste. But there is some evidence out there that has been mounting… there’s a song called ‘Celeste’ that he had out in 2023... people are pointing to some of the lyrics.” (09:53–10:32)
  • T.J.: “Their connection seems clear. The affection even, I would argue, seems that way.” (10:32)
• Family confirmation:
  • Amy reveals Celeste’s family's statements: “Her own mom...said her daughter went missing in April of 2024 and had a boyfriend named David... [her brother] said... the last time he saw his sister, she was going to the movies with singer David.” (11:01)
• Online evidence and fan sleuthing:
  • The hosts describe the flurry of online examination of his tattoos, song lyrics, music videos ("Romantic Homicide"), and particularly the eerie video where an anime alter ego dismembers a girl. (12:06–12:59)

Public Fascination and Media Ethics

• Surge in D4vd’s music popularity:
  • Amy: "After the body was found... his song 'Romantic Homicide' shot into the top 10 in late September on Spotify’s chart."
  • She comments on the disturbing nature of this: “People were so fascinated by him and the mystery surrounding this young girl. His music shot up the charts.” (13:37–14:34)
  • T.J. confesses: “I am guilty of that. As a matter of research... I jumped on to figure out who he was.” (14:34)

Who Was Celeste?

• A history of running away and a complicated family situation:
  • Amy: “She had a history of running away. According to family members... she had run away at least four times. She would go and live with extended family...” (20:54)
  • T.J.: “That just, it’s tragic. Okay, it ended tragically, but it was tragic before she ever got to that Tesla.” (20:44)
• Childhood described as “mysterious,” but remembered as “sweet and bubbly.”
  • Amy: “Everyone who described her described her as bubbly and sweet. And look, we have a few pictures that we can go by... She was a young girl who had a future. It’s just incredibly tragic, incredibly sad.” (21:15–21:46)

Host Reflection and Next Steps

• On the disturbing parallel between lyrics and the crime:
  • Amy: “I have gotten more and more concerned by the lyrics I have been reading in some of his songs. They are violent.” (21:46)
• T.J. on rumors & Internet speculation:
  • “When there is a lack of information or official information, people will fill in the blanks. And a lot of people are filling in blanks. The story has gone a little wild.” (22:04)
• Developing situation:
  • Amy: “Now that they have officially gone on the record and said that David is a suspect... I have a feeling this is just the beginning and we are going to be getting a lot more information in the coming days and weeks.” (22:40)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• T.J. Holmes on the case’s strangeness:

  • “It’s his car registered to him, parked up the street from where he’s living in. Her body’s in the trunk. Okay, well, there could be some explanations, Robes, but from the very beginning... his behavior... Stone cold silence.” (06:38–07:22)

• Amy Robach questioning D4vd’s behavior:

  • “If he loved this girl, if he knew this girl... the following day he’s on a stage... That is cold.” (07:22)

• Amy Robach on the victim:

  • “She actually turned 15 the day before her body was found... So she never made it to 15. She was actually 14 when she died.” (05:46)

• T.J. Holmes on the public’s reaction:

  • “Their connection seems clear. The affection even, I would argue, seems that way.” (10:32)

• Amy Robach on media and human nature:

  • “There were many articles... his song ‘Romantic Homicide’ shot into the top 10... So people started getting, I think there was another artist, and it was in terrible taste, was complaining that he wished he could get some publicity like David.” (13:37–14:34)

• Amy Robach on Celeste's life:

  • “She had a history of running away. According to family members... she had run away at least four times... But everyone who described her described her as bubbly and sweet.” (20:54–21:46)

• T.J. Holmes on the case’s future:

  • “Once the medical examiner makes that determination, then things will progress very quickly.” (05:46)

Important Timestamps

• 03:10 – Breaking news: D4vd officially named a suspect.
• 05:08 – Police believe more than one person may be involved.
• 06:38 – Hosts critique the suspect’s behavior and lack of public response.
• 07:22–08:02 – D4vd’s behavior after discovery of Celeste’s body is scrutinized.
• 09:35 – Amy reports D4vd is no longer cooperating with police.
• 09:53–11:01 – Relationship speculation and evidence mounting.
• 11:47 – Family’s statements about Celeste’s connection to D4vd.
• 12:59 – Discussion of music video with violent, dismemberment imagery.
• 13:37–14:34 – Chart surge and public fascination with D4vd’s music.
• 20:44–21:46 – Details on Celeste’s life, multiple runaway incidents, and family struggles.
• 22:40–23:52 – Amy predicts the pace of new information will accelerate now that D4vd is an official suspect.

Tone and Style

The conversation is serious and empathetic, with both hosts expressing bewilderment, sadness, and frustration at the circumstances of the case, balanced with journalistic caution regarding public speculation and presumption of innocence. Their language is conversational but respectful, conveying both their personal reactions and the gravity of the crime.

Conclusion

This episode provides a comprehensive review of the facts known so far in a disturbing case that has captured public obsession. The hosts are committed to following the story as it develops, emphasizing the tragedy of a lost teen and the bizarre ascent of a musician now embroiled in a murder investigation. They urge listeners not to jump to conclusions before the legal processes and official findings are complete, while acknowledging the deeply unsettling connections between D4vd's art, his behavior, and the details of this case.