Podcast Summary
Amy Robach & T.J. Holmes Present
Episode: UPDATE: Why Still NO Answers in the D4VD Investigation, 4 Months After Dismembered Body Found in His Tesla
iHeartPodcasts | January 5, 2026
Episode Overview
In this episode, Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes revisit the high-profile, unsolved case of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, a 14-year-old found dismembered in the trunk of popular singer D4VD's (David Anthony Burke) Tesla in August 2025. Four months have passed with no arrests or substantial updates, leaving the public, the media, and the victim’s family in suspense. The hosts examine what is known, explore reasons for the delays, and discuss the broader impact of the lack of answers in this case and several other ongoing investigations.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The Baffling Lack of Progress in the Case
- Case Status: Four months after Celeste was found, there have been no arrests, with little communication from authorities.
- T.J. Holmes: “Never did we think when we heard about ... a teenager's dead body was found in David's Tesla four months ago ... they have not been able to cross enough T's or dot enough I's to bring formal charges ... is kind of baffling.” [00:36]
- Public Frustration: Both hosts express disbelief at the pace, noting that for a case with such visible evidence and public interest, the pace has been "wildly frustrating”—especially for the victim's family.
2. Who is D4VD, and What is His Relationship to the Case?
- Background: D4VD, real name David Anthony Burke, is a young musician who rose to fame through TikTok and social media, composing music for Fortnite streams.
- Amy Robach: “He actually started composing his own music because he wanted to use it when he was playing his Fortnite games ... he was 20 years old at the time...” [02:51]
- He had just begun a world tour when the news broke.
- Victim: Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose body was discovered the day after her 15th birthday—police believe she died weeks or months prior, possibly at age 14. Their relationship reportedly began online, possibly when she was just 12.
- Amy Robach: “...she was a teenager ... Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Her body was found the day after she turned 15 ... she died at the age of 14 ... a young girl who suffered an unimaginable fate.” [04:05]
3. The Troubled Background and Timeline
- Victim’s Circumstances: Celeste had been missing for a year to a year and a half before being found.
- T.J. Holmes: “She was troubled and clearly had a troubled home life ... a tragic end to what was a young, tragic life...” [05:49]
- Aside from initial statements, both David and his management have been silent since September.
4. Lack of Communication & Secrecy from Authorities
- Official Silence: LAPD formally named David as a suspect two months after the body was discovered and has been largely silent since.
- Amy: “That took two plus months for them to even acknowledge that he was a suspect in this case, which was puzzling.” [06:30]
- Medical Examiner’s Frustration: The chief medical examiner publicly opposed a security hold on the autopsy findings, calling it unusual and counterproductive.
- Amy: “...the chief medical examiner ... said he was pissed off about it ... I've worked on eradicating the practice of placing security holds ... he believes it's unheard of in other counties and has not proven to improve outcomes in the legal system.” [07:47]
5. Public Theories, Perception, and Lack of Facts
- Speculation and Rumors: Media (e.g., TMZ) report based on alleged leaks; police occasionally refute.
- Public Judgement: The lack of updates has led to the public “trying” D4VD online.
- Amy: “...it seems like when you go online, people have already tried him in the court of public opinion, and it's not good.” [16:52]
- D4VD’s Actions: Continued performing after the body was found, only canceling tour dates when Celeste's identity became public—perceived as unsympathetic and damaging.
- Amy: “He kept touring, he kept singing, he kept going up on stage. Wasn't a good look ... the day her name was actually released, he canceled his concert that night...” [18:03]
6. Evidence and Police Statements
- Key Facts:
- Celeste's body was found dismembered and decomposed in a Tesla registered to David.
- The car was moved several times and never reported stolen.
- Police raided the Hollywood Hills home where David was staying; evidence was seized.
- Nature of Relationship: Police confirmed a romantic relationship between David and Celeste.
- Amy: “...they acknowledged that David and Revis were involved in a romantic relationship ... officially that, yes, David and Celeste were involved in a romantic relationship.” [11:33]
- David as a Suspect: LAPD now says David is no longer cooperating (contradicting earlier claims).
- Amy: “They said that David has not been cooperative. That's a big deal. Because initially in September, we heard from his management company that he had been.” [15:09]
7. Legal and Investigative Challenges
- High-Profile Attorney: David hired Blair Burke, known for representing celebrities facing criminal charges. Hosts defend this as normal, not an admission of guilt.
- Case Complexity: Legal experts believe lack of clear cause of death and chain of events complicate any potential prosecution. Surveillance, vehicle movements, and possible involvement of others are all factors.
- Amy: “...how do you prove how she died? How do you prove who killed her? ... If you don't have a cooperative suspect, it's a difficult thing to prove.” [19:23]
Notable Quotes & Moments
- On the case’s stagnation:
- T.J. Holmes [00:36]: “Never did we think when we heard about ... a teenager's dead body was found in David's Tesla four months ago ... they have not been able to cross enough T's or dot enough I's to bring formal charges ... is kind of baffling.”
- On autopsy secrecy:
- Amy Robach [07:47]: “[The chief medical examiner] ... said he was pissed off about it ... believes it's unheard of in other counties and has not proven to improve outcomes in the legal system.”
- On public reaction:
- Amy Robach [16:52]: “...it seems like when you go online, people have already tried him in the court of public opinion, and it's not good.”
- On D4VD’s behavior post-incident:
- Amy Robach [18:03]: “When the body was first found ... He kept touring, he kept singing, he kept going up on stage. Wasn't a good look ... the day her name was actually released, he canceled his concert that night...”
- On the lack of clarity:
- T.J. Holmes [11:52]: “I mean, I don't know where this goes, but this is a case we thought was going to be wrapped up ... And to think it's still been that difficult to piece it together.”
- On presumption of innocence:
- T.J. Holmes [16:19]: “We’re pointing to the case and the circumstances, but it has to be said, my God, this kid could be 100% innocent. ...so until that, I mean, he is presumed innocent and we should have that presumption of him as well.”
Important Timestamps
- 00:36 – Hosts introduce the unresolved D4VD case, outline current status
- 02:51 – D4VD’s music career trajectory and social media background
- 04:05 – Details of Celeste’s life, age, background, and the age gap
- 05:49 – Celeste’s troubled home life, extended period missing
- 06:30 – Timeline of police communication and suspect status
- 07:47 – Medical examiner’s frustrations and autopsy information lockdown
- 11:33 – Confirmation of a romantic relationship by police
- 11:52 – Hosts’ personal frustration with progress and lack of clarity
- 15:09 – Police state David is no longer cooperating
- 16:52 – Discussion on public perception, presumption of innocence, and social media
- 18:03 – Examination of David’s actions and canceled tour
- 19:23 – Legal challenges for law enforcement and prosecutors
Tone and Language
The hosts maintain a tone that balances professional skepticism with empathy for the victim and those affected, repeatedly emphasizing the presumption of innocence and frustration with the lack of answers. Their commentary remains grounded in facts while respectfully acknowledging the rampant speculation and “court of public opinion” swirling around the case.
Conclusion
The episode serves as an in-depth update and reflection on a case that has captivated and perplexed both the public and the podcast’s hosts. By meticulously reviewing what is known, what is rumored, and what is missing, Amy and T.J. highlight the complex intersection of media scrutiny, police investigation, and the human stories at the core of such tragedies. They close with a commitment to continue monitoring not only this case but several others that have similarly stalled, vowing to keep listeners informed as new information arises.