Podcast Summary:
Amy Robach & T.J. Holmes Present
Episode: NEW: Singer D4vd Officially Being Investigated for Murdering 14-Year-Old Girl
Date: February 25, 2026
Overview
This episode, hosted by Amy Robach and TJ Holmes, delves into the major legal and investigative developments surrounding the case of singer D4vd (real name David Anthony Burke), who has officially been named the target of a grand jury investigation into the murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. With exclusive court documents now public, Amy and TJ provide a detailed, sensitive, and sometimes graphic discussion about what is currently known, the timeline of events, and what these new disclosures mean for the case going forward.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Major Update: D4vd Officially a Murder Suspect
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Grand Jury Investigation:
New court documents confirm a grand jury is convening in Los Angeles to determine if D4vd will be charged with the murder of Celeste Rivas Hernandez. This is the first official, on-the-record confirmation from authorities (02:06–03:29, 08:27–08:58). -
Context:
Celeste’s body was discovered in the trunk of D4vd’s Tesla in September 2025. Slow-moving proceedings and sealed information meant that for months, crucial details remained out of public view.“Finally, the only reason why we're getting some information is because apparently his father doesn't want to cooperate with the investigation... and now we are getting a clearer picture...”
— Amy Robach (02:48)
2. Timeline and Response by D4vd
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Timeline:
- September 2025: Celeste’s body found in D4vd’s car while he was on tour.
- D4vd continued performing for about a week after the news broke before canceling remaining shows.
- November 2025: Media outlets, via police sources, reported D4vd as a suspect, but there was no formal announcement.
- February 2026: Court documents officially name him as the investigation’s target (03:29–05:05, 08:05).
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D4vd’s Whereabouts:
The hosts discuss that D4vd’s location is currently unknown; no recent sightings, and reports indicate he is not cooperating with police (09:09–09:59).- A close friend was arrested for refusing to testify before the grand jury.
“Can you imagine how many people... there’s a tremendous amount of interest on anyone who can capture a photo of him.”
— Amy Robach (09:09)
3. Details from Court Documents
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Official Allegations:
Court filings state D4vd (David Anthony Burke) “may be involved in having committed... one count of murder… in the death of 14-year-old victim Celeste Rivas Hernandez, who may have been the victim of foul play. Her severely decomposed, dismembered body was found in the front trunk of Target’s Tesla…” (07:03). -
Discovery of the Body:
- Police responded to a Hollywood tow yard due to reports of a foul odor and flies in an impounded Tesla.
- Upon opening the front trunk (frunk), they found a black cadaver bag with a decomposed head and torso. A second bag underneath contained severed arms and legs (16:03–17:55).
- The medical examiner’s findings remain sealed, leading to public frustration.
“Detectives observed a black cadaver bag covered with insects and a strong odor of decay... the arms and legs had been severed from the body. A second black bag... upon opening... the dismembered body parts were discovered.”
— Amy Robach (16:48)“We watch a lot of true crime stories... the ones having to do with dismemberment... it’s hard to get your head around somebody doing that.”
— TJ Holmes (18:11)
4. The Victim: Celeste Rivas Hernandez
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Background:
Celeste was only 14 at the time of her death (her birthday was the day before her body was found). She had a history of going missing and had been reported missing several times since age 13 (15:07–15:11). -
Personal Impact:
The hosts express emotional reactions reflecting the tragedy of her young life and brutal death.“It is so young. That is... sad at any point, but just 14, think about that.”
— Amy Robach (15:01)
5. The Role of D4vd’s Parents
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Grand Jury Testimony:
The current push to have D4vd’s parents, especially his father, testify before the grand jury is what forced these developments into public record.- Authorities offered to cover travel expenses but have faced resistance.
- The testimony is considered “material and necessary” due to the father’s close relationship with D4vd (19:46–20:14).
“They say that his testimony is, quote, material and necessary to the investigation. And they pointed out that David and his father have a very close relationship.”
— Amy Robach (19:46)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
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On the slow pace of the case:
“This is such a slow-moving story... her body was discovered last September, Robes, here we are, February. Haven’t heard a whole lot.”
— TJ Holmes (02:06) -
On the grisly discovery:
“It is a smell you never forget and it is... there’s no other smell like it...”
— Amy Robach (16:48) -
On D4vd’s lack of response:
“We haven’t heard anything from him, certainly, or his camp... he was not cooperating with the investigation.”
— TJ Holmes (09:42) -
On the parents’ resistance to testify:
“They offered two round-trip plane tickets, transportation from the airport... we're taking care of everything. And they're still getting pushback.”
— TJ Holmes (19:46) -
On the tragedy:
“She’s 14. Troubled. That is just an awful way to hear of the end of the life of a 14-year-old child.”
— TJ Holmes (17:55)
Important Timestamps
- 02:06–03:29 — Introduction of new court documents; confirmation of official suspect status
- 04:14–05:05 — Timeline: D4vd's response after discovery of the body
- 07:03–07:51 — Reading from official court filing naming D4vd as target
- 08:27–08:58 — Explicit, on-the-record confirmation of D4vd as murder suspect
- 09:59–10:30 — Friend arrested for refusing to testify
- 16:03–17:55 — Detailed account of police discovering Celeste’s body in the car
- 19:46–20:14 — Discussion on efforts (and resistance) to secure testimony from D4vd’s father
- 15:01–15:11 — Discussion over Celeste’s age and circumstances
Tone & Style
- The tone is serious, somber, and meticulous, with moments of reflective empathy for both the victim and the investigators.
- The discussion is fact-driven but does not shy away from confronting the disturbing aspects of the case.
Summary Statement
This episode provides a comprehensive, sensitive, and revealing update on the status of the investigation into D4vd and the death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, highlighting the gravity of the crime, the procedural hurdles, and the emotional toll on all involved. Listeners leave with a clear understanding of the facts, the key players, and the direction the case is now taking.
