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

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.

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.

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]

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) |

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.

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.