Chad Daybell Starts Website | Crime Alert Recap Saturday 09.20.25

Summary

Crime Stories with Nancy Grace: Chad Daybell Starts Website | Crime Alert Recap Saturday 09.20.25 Episode Date: September 20, 2025
Host: Nancy Grace (with segment reporters: Jackie Howard, Nicole Parton, Drew Nelson, Jennifer Gould)
Podcast: Crime Stories with Nancy Grace; iHeartPodcasts and CrimeOnline

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Overview

This episode features a "Crime Alert Recap" with the latest updates on several high-profile and shocking crime stories. Key highlights include convicted murderer Chad Daybell starting a new website from death row, harrowing case updates involving the discovery of a missing teenage girl in Los Angeles, an arson-homicide in Pennsylvania, and a tragic act of negligence by restaurant staff in Houston.

The episode maintains a serious tone, as reporters deliver detailed accounts and raise critical questions about the motivations, justice outcomes, and societal implications of each case.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Chad Daybell’s “Letters from Chad” Website

Segment by Jackie Howard [01:07-03:01]

• Chad Daybell, convicted in 2024 for the murders of his former wife, Tammy Daybell, and stepchildren Joshua “JJ” Vallow (7) and Tylee Ryan (16), has launched a website from death row, in collaboration with his daughter Emma Murray.
• The site features “uncensored and unfiltered” letters from Chad, aiming to share his personal account of the events leading to his conviction.
• Despite the verdict, Daybell continues to claim innocence:

  “I have never caused anyone's death and never conspired to commit such acts against anyone. I share in your sadness, pain and grief over the deaths…”
  (Chad Daybell’s letter, read by Jackie Howard at 01:33)

• Daybell is appealing his conviction, expressing gratitude to his supporters:

  “Your kind words of support really helped me, I cherished… I suppose you could say I’ve settled in. It really is a different world in here, but I’m surviving and I spend a lot of time working on my upcoming appeals.”
  (Chad Daybell’s letter, 02:17)

• Reports note Daybell is housed at the Idaho Maximum Security Institute, alongside Brian Kohberger.
• He claims the website’s purpose is to “change people’s perception” of him.

2. Discovery of a Missing Teen’s Remains Linked to Artist D4VD

Segment by Nicole Parton [03:01-06:47]

• Human remains of 15-year-old Celeste Rivas were found in the trunk of a Tesla impounded in Los Angeles. The car was registered to well-known artist David D4VD (David Anthony Burke).
• The LAPD conducted a search of the residence associated with David, seizing evidence including computers.
• Forensic analysis confirmed the identity and pointed to an ongoing investigation, with the cause of death pending.
• Details from Celeste’s mother included suspicion about her daughter’s relationship with David, noting they had matching tattoos and that David wrote a song referencing Celeste.
• Video evidence exists showing David with Celeste, then aged 13.
• A representative for David says he is “fully cooperating” with the police. No suspects have been named yet [05:51].
• David continued performing on tour following the discovery, canceling only one concert.
• Key event:

  “Employees at the impound facility alerted authorities due to a strong odor emanating from the car… police found a plastic bag with the dismembered body of the young.”
  (Nicole Parton, 06:21)

• The car was abandoned in Hollywood Hills, impounded for several days before discovery [06:39].

3. Arson Homicide in Pennsylvania: Father Kills Daughter

Segment by Drew Nelson [06:47-08:55]

• Brian Shelby (46) is charged with causing the fire that killed his daughter Laken Shelby (19, University of Pittsburgh student) and gravely injured his wife, Carlie.
• Shelby admitted pouring gasoline throughout the basement, garage, and first floor. The fire erupted after Carlie refused to allow him to stay due to their separation.
• District Attorney Steven Zappala’s main concern is determining intent:

  “The first question I had was, was did he intend to kill his daughter? His animus appeared to be directed towards his wife…”
  (Steven Zappala, relayed by Drew Nelson & producer, 07:29-07:34)

• The use of gasoline is described as uncontrollable and extraordinarily destructive.
• Authorities are probing whether Shelby was intoxicated, on drugs, or suffering from mental illness [07:50].
• Zappala underscores the importance of clarifying cause of death for the family:

  “They want to know if the people that they love suffered. I don’t have that answer right now… but we intend to get that to the family.”
  (Steven Zappala, producer, 08:03)

• Community response: neighbors attempted rescue, a vigil was held, GoFundMe support has been strong.

4. Houston Steakhouse Negligence: Man Dies After Staff Moves Him Outside

Segment by Jennifer Gould [08:55-11:50]

• Jessie Mobley Jr., 34, collapsed while dining alone at KFFO Afro Steakhouse. Staff, assuming he was homeless, moved him to the parking lot to die instead of calling 911.
• Surveillance showed employees carrying Mobley and his belongings outside, where he was left overnight.
• He was found dead the next morning by a beauty school student who promptly called police.
• The family was devastated by the discovery:

  “No matter what, he’s a human being and he just died like that…”
  (Andrea Serizola, witness, 10:11) “He was a dog.”
  (Jackie Howard interjects, 10:15)

• Mobley had medical conditions, and his medications were with him. His family believes a simple emergency call might have saved him.
• The Houston Police Department is still investigating; restaurant owners declined to comment.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Chad Daybell’s Letter on Innocence [01:33]:
  “I have never caused anyone’s death and never conspired to commit such acts against anyone. I share in your sadness, pain and grief over the deaths... I don't have all of the answers even now, but I'm grateful a more complete story will be shared during my appeals process.”

• Steven Zappala on Intent [07:29]:
  “The first question I had was, was did he intend to kill his daughter? His animus appeared to be directed towards his wife…”

• Houston Tragedy Witness Andrea Serizola [10:11]:
  “No matter what, he’s a human being and he just died like that, like—”
  Jackie Howard: “He was a dog.” [10:15]

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Important Segment Timestamps

| Time | Segment/Event | |-------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 01:07 | Chad Daybell launches his “Letters from Chad” website (Jackie Howard) | | 03:01 | Human remains of Celeste Rivas discovered, linked to artist D4VD (Nicole Parton) | | 06:47 | Arson homicide: Father kills daughter in Pennsylvania blaze (Drew Nelson) | | 08:55 | Houston steakhouse incident: staff moves unconscious man outside (Jennifer Gould) |

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Tone and Language

Throughout the episode, the language is direct, emotionally charged, and empathetic to victims and families. There is a persistent undercurrent of outrage at injustice, matched with rigorous attention to factual report and legal process.

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For those who haven’t listened, this episode is a sobering, multi-story roundup that sheds light on the human stories and ongoing searches for accountability within the American criminal justice landscape.

Transcript

[Nicole Parton]

This is an I Heart Podcast.

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Crime alert hourly update Breaking crime news.

[Jackie Howard]

Now I'm Jackie Howard. Convicted murderer Chad Daybell takes a page out of Chris Watts playbook, sharing his innermost thoughts through letters from death row. He started a website called Letters From Chad. It features uncensored and unfiltered content to share with the world. With the help of his daughter, Emma Murray, she has said she believes her father was framed. D. Daybell found guilty in 2024 of murdering his first wife, Tammy, 49, and current wife Lori Valo Daybell's two children, Joshua JJ Vallow, 7, and Tyler Ryan, 16. He continues to profess his innocence. In his first letter, Daybell writes, I have never caused anyone's death and never conspired to commit such acts against anyone. I share in your sadness, pain and grief over the deaths of Tammy Tylee and JJ I don't have all of the answers even now, but I'm grateful a more complete story will be shared during my appeals process. Daybell is on death row at the Idaho Maximum Security Institute in Kuna, where convicted killer Brian Kohberger is also housed. From there, Daybell has thanked those who have sent him cards and letters, saying, your kind words of support really helped me, I cherished, he writes. I suppose you could say I've settled in. It really is a different world in here, but I'm surviving and I spend a lot of time working on my upcoming appeals. Daybell says he hopes the letters will help change people's perception of him, saying he is not a conspirator or killer and never has been. More crime and justice news after.

[Nicole Parton]

I'm Nicole Parton. On Wednesday night, authorities conducted a search of a residence in the Hollywood Hills area of Los Angeles. As part of an ongoing investigation into the discovery of human remains belonging to a missing teenage girl. These remains were located on September 8th inside the trunk of an impounded Tesla registered to the well known artist David D4VD. According to sources from law enforcement, David had been residing at the property that was searched. Reports from TMZ indicated that the LAPD homicide detectives emerged from the house carrying a computer and multiple evidence bags. The deceased, identified as 15 year old Celeste Rivas, was confirmed through forensic analysis on Wednesday. As stated by law enforcement officials to NBC, the exact cause of death remains undetermined and the Los Angeles County Medical examiner is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the girl's death. The Tesla in question was impounded at the beginning of September after being reported abandoned. It had not been reported stolen. Employees at the impound facility alerted authorities due to a strong odor emanating from the car. When police arrived on September 8, they discovered human remains inside a bag in the front trunk of the Tesla. Following the release of the victim's identity by the medical examiner, TMZ reported that David's concert schedule for Wednesday at Showbox in Seattle, part of his Withered World tour, was canceled. However, as of Thursday afternoon, he was still slated to perform at the Warfield in San Francisco on Friday, September 19th. TMZ also revealed that they had spoken to Celeste's mother, who mentioned her daughter had been missing since April 2024. The mother expressed her concern regarding the Tesla being registered under David's real name, David Anthony Burke, noting that Celeste had a boyfriend named David. Other mysterious facts. They have a matching tattoo. David recorded a song with lyrics referencing Celeste. And there's even a video showing David with a then 13 year old Celeste beside him.

[Podcast Producer]

Yo yo, yo yo. Wait. Pray for his career chat. Are we done? Are we? Are we? We need to delete this. Are we? Miles, can we delete all vibes and then as soon as the stream, delete the stream too.

[Nicole Parton]

Can we delete?

[Podcast Producer]

Can we delete anything you done for Bro, y' all are not done. Now you want to. Yo yo, yo yo. Wait, wait, wait, wait. Oh look it. Answer that one. That's so mean if you don't answer. Which one? Which one?

[Jennifer Gould]

Which one?

[Nicole Parton]

A representative for David has stated that the artist is fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation. Authorities have not disclosed whether they have identified identified any suspects in the case. David has been on tour for the past few weeks, despite the unfolding events. He performed in Minneapolis on the day the news broke, even distributing Labubu dolls to the audience on September 8th. Shortly before 12:30, LAPD officers responded to Hollywood Tow on North Mansfield Avenue after a report about a strong smell coming from a car. It was inside the car that police found a plastic bag with the dismembered body of the young. The Tesla with Texas plates had been towed after being discovered abandoned a few days earlier on Bluebird Avenue. That's near Hollywood Hills. It had been at the tow yard for two days before they noticed the odor.

[Drew Nelson]

I'm Drew Nelson. A Pennsylvania father is accused of setting a gasoline fueled fire that killed his daughter and left his wife badly burned and prosecutors are now preparing their case against him. 19 year old Laken Shelby, a sophomore at the University of Pittsburgh, died in the fire in Castle Shann on Sunday. Her mother, Carly, survived but remains hospitalized with burns. Her father, 46 year old Brian Shelby, admitted to police that he poured gasoline through the basement, garage and first floor before the house exploded into flames. He is charged with criminal homicide, aggravated arson and other crimes.

[Podcast Producer]

Look at your child in that, in that type of position and you can't help from but feeling, wow, this is, this is extreme.

[Drew Nelson]

Allegheny County District Attorney Steven Zapala telling WPXI his first concern was intent.

[Podcast Producer]

The first question I had was, was did he intend to kill his daughter? His animus appeared to be directed towards his wife, but Seppala says the use.

[Drew Nelson]

Of gasoline left no control over the destruction. He adds that his office is also examining the suspect's condition before the blaze.

[Podcast Producer]

I want to know if he was intoxicated. I want to know if he was under the influence of drugs. I want to know if he has a mental health problem.

[Drew Nelson]

Zappala telling the TV station that determining how Lakin died is critical. They want to know if she died from smoke inhalation or fire.

[Podcast Producer]

They want to know if they're people that they love suffered. I don't have that answer right now from the me, but we intend to get that to the family.

[Drew Nelson]

Neighbors described hearing a blast and rushing to help. Some tried breaking windows, but the fire spread too quickly. Court records show. Carly told police that her husband threatened to, quote, burn the house down after she refused to let him stay because they were separated. She said she heard liquid being poured in the garage and saw him with gasoline before the home erupted. At a vigil outside St. Anne's Church, friends and classmates remembered Lakin as bright, strong willed and caring. A GoFundMe set up in her honor has raised more than $52,000 toward a $60,000 goal. Organizers write that Lakin will be Forever 19 and the proceeds will help Carlie and the family through the tragedy. Brian Shelby remains jailed without bond. He is due back in court on the 26th.

[Jennifer Gould]

I'm Jennifer Gould. A tragic act of callous indifference has left a Texas family in mourning after a 34 year old man collapsed inside a Houston steakhouse and was moved outside by staff who assumed he was homeless, where he was left to die in the parking lot. The heartbroken family of Jessie Mobley Jr. Is demanding accountability from the restaurant that they say chose to dump him instead of calling 911 for help. Just a week shy of his 35th birthday, Mobley was dining alone at KFFO Afro Steakhouse on Westheimer Road when he suddenly passed out at his table. Surveillance footage reviewed by the Houston Police Department shows employees believing he was a homeless individual who had fallen asleep carrying Mobley and his backpack to the adjacent strip center parking lot. They propped him up against a wall near a beauty school and just left him there overnight without alerting authorities or medical services. The following morning, beauty student Andrea Serizola discovered Mobley's body and called 91 1. She also spoke to KHOU 11 News. No matter what, he's a human being and he just died like that, like.

[Jackie Howard]

He was a dog.

[Jennifer Gould]

Paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene. Authorities noted grim details, including insects swarming over his ears and one side of his body having turned purple, signs that he had been dead for several hours. Houston police identified Mobley and delivered the devastating news to his family. His father and stepmother traveled from San Antonio to the morgue to view his body, which they described as, quote, unquote, horrible. Mobley, affectionately known as Little Jesse, had reportedly been managing several health conditions and his backpack contained his medications. Family say the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences is still conducting an autopsy and Mobley's exact cause of death remains undetermined. As of now, the Houston Police Department has not found evidence of criminal activity at this stage, but the family remains steadfast in their belief that a simple 911 call could have saved his life. The tragedy is compounded by the fact that this is the third child that the family has buried in the past 13 years. Owners of KFFO Afro Steakhouse have declined to comment on the incident. For the latest crime and justice news, follow the Crime Alert hourly update on your favorite podcast app and watch crime stories with Nancy Grace on Fox One and YouTube. With this crime alert, I'm Jennifer Gould.

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[Nicole Parton]

Is an iHeart podcast.