D4VD - Abortion, Plan B, Chainsaws and a Blue Kiddie Pool: Court Docs - Crime Stories with Nancy Grace

Podcast Summary: Crime Stories with Nancy Grace Episode: "D4VD - Abortion, Plan B, Chainsaws and a Blue Kiddie Pool: Court Docs"
Date: May 2, 2026
Host: Nancy Grace (with expert guests)
Podcast: iHeartPodcasts and CrimeOnline

Episode Overview

This explosive episode of "Crime Stories with Nancy Grace" delves into newly released court documents that implicate star musician D4VD (David Anthony Burke) in the gruesome murder of 13-year-old Celeste Rivas. Nancy Grace leads a panel of experts through the timeline, court evidence, and chilling details of the crime, including the use of a kiddie pool, Amazon shopping records, and evidence of premeditation. The episode highlights legal arguments from both prosecution and defense perspectives.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Background and Crime Details

Victim, Celeste Rivas: Initially reported as 13; clarified to be 11 at first meeting with D4VD ([01:26]).
Perpetrator, David Anthony Burke (D4VD): Multi-millionaire musician accused of luring Celeste, maintaining contact via a secret cell phone, and ultimately orchestrating her murder ([01:38],[02:13]).
Method: D4VD allegedly purchased a blue kiddie pool on Amazon to contain blood during the murder and rendering of Celeste’s body ([00:00],[05:11]).
Evidence: Blue plastic pieces (from kiddie pool) found in Celeste’s wounds substantiating crime scene details ([05:11]).

2. Details of the Murder and Crime Scene

Medical Examiner’s Perspective: Dr. Kendall Crowns explains exsanguination time frames; Celeste likely died within 10 minutes due to liver wound ([03:20]).
Blue Kiddie Pool: Chosen likely for containment; Amazon purchase and forensic significance discussed ([05:11]).
Chainsaw Use: D4VD purchased and used chainsaws and a burn cage; medical implications and forensic evidence of dismemberment with chainsaw presented in detail ([07:36],[32:12],[33:53]).

3. Amazon Orders & Disposal Tools

Amazon/Home Depot Order List: Chainsaws, shovel, burn cage, garbage bags, and the kiddie pool highlight preparation and premeditation ([07:36]).
Garage Scene: Private investigator Steve Fisher describes the garage where the murder and rendering occurred. Forensics found blood via luminol and alternative light sources ([09:52],[12:52]).
Tesla Storage: Celeste’s decomposing body stored in the front trunk ("frunk") of a Tesla for months, which neighbors eventually noticed due to the smell ([20:42],[20:53]).

4. Legal Analysis: Special Circumstances and Death Penalty

“Special Circumstances”: Veteran trial lawyer Trey Lovell explains how enhancements apply, possibly qualifying the case for the death penalty ([05:56]).
Defense Strategy: Lovell notes the defense may argue D4VD's behavior post-crime (e.g., attending parties, going on tour, creating alibis) as inconsistent with that of a cold-blooded killer ([25:10],[18:42]).
Alibi Building: D4VD’s communication and travel in the 12 hours after the murder unveiled as a calculated alibi effort ([25:59]).

5. Psychological and Social Context

Callous Actions: D4VD attended his album launch party and set out on tour within 24 hours of the murder ([22:29],[23:34]).
Cell Phone Evidence: Secret cell phone delivered to Celeste via bribed schoolchild to continue illicit contact ([02:13]).
Motive: Texts reveal Celeste threatened to expose their relationship; jealousy and possible pregnancy/abortion discussions amplify presumed motive ([36:15]).

6. Forensic and Autopsy Findings

Blue Plastic Embedded in Wounds: Matched to Amazon kiddie pool ([05:11],[35:45]).
Chain Saw Forensics: Tool marks and physical evidence described by Dr. Crowns ([33:53],[34:26]).
Abortion Forensics: Potential to evidence recent abortion during autopsy discussed ([37:00]).

7. Media and Investigative Methods

TMZ Imagery & Timelines: Garage and Tesla video footage crucial in reconstructing the timeline ([08:05],[19:49]).
Photo Evidence: D4VD’s own SD card included knife-obsessed images, with some showing Celeste; implications for prosecution and defense debated ([27:52]).

Memorable Quotes and Moments

Nancy Grace's Outrage:
"Can anybody say death penalty? Because I can." ([00:00])
On the Medical Reality of the Crime:
Dr. Kendall Crowns: "If your heart's stabbed, you're going to bleed out... under a minute or so. But... she's stabbed in the abdomen, in the chest... she'll probably die in under 10 minutes from blood loss." ([03:20])
On Crime Scene Evidence:
Nancy Grace: "Blue plastic were found... in the wounds to her body... under a microscope... it's the kiddie pool." ([05:11])
Susan Hendricks: "The details here. Exactly what the D.A. said... there are special circumstances. And I agree. It's laid out perfectly." ([05:38])
On Amazon Purchases as Evidence:
Trey Lovell: "Don't you hate it when your client basically has a shopping list? ...Does the name Brian Coburger ring a bell? That devil straight from hell Ordered the murder weapon on Amazon." ([16:33])
On Dismemberment:
Dr. Kendall Crowns: "A chainsaw is actually not the best way to tear apart a body... it shoots blood and debris and bone everywhere. It's not a good way to disarticulate a body because it puts DNA all over the place." ([32:12])
On Defense Perspective:
Trey Lovell: "This actually can help the defense to show... maybe somebody was, was trying to help him and, and did it without his knowledge." ([25:10])

Key Timestamps & Segments

[00:00] – Nancy outlines the accusations, corrected age of the victim.
[01:38] – Details on grooming, secret cell phone, and bribery.
[03:20] – Dr. Crowns describes exsanguination and wounds.
[05:11] – Discovery of blue plastic, chain of forensic evidence.
[07:36] – List of Amazon/Home Depot purchases, implications of premeditation.
[09:52 – 14:01] – Private investigator describes garage/crime scene handling.
[15:03 – 16:33] – Brief advertisements (skipped here).
[19:49] – Video of Tesla, movement timeline, details of disposal.
[22:29] – Celeste’s murder juxtaposed with D4VD's album party/tour.
[25:59] – Timeline and methods of creating an alibi.
[27:52] – Photo evidence, knife fixation, defense rebuttal.
[32:12 – 35:45] – Chainsaw forensics explained; tool marks and identification.
[36:15] – Motive, inappropriate text/picture evidence, pregnancy/abortion angle.
[37:00] – Dr. Crowns discusses determination of pregnancy/abortion at autopsy.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Nancy Grace closes the episode with a direct call for information regarding Celeste Rivas’ murder and a brief tribute to Detective Corporal Christopher Mock. The podcast ends urging listeners to seek justice alongside Nancy's team.

Guest Panel

Dave Mack: Crime Stories investigative reporter
Dr. Kendall Crowns: Chief Medical Examiner, Tarrant County
Susan Hendricks: Investigative reporter, author
Trey Lovell: Veteran trial lawyer/Defense attorney
Steve Fisher: Private investigator, Search Investigations

For listeners:
This episode offers an in-depth, unflinching examination of the evidence against D4VD, exploring the grizzly details, legal arguments, forensic science, and the unsettling behavior of a public figure accused of a heinous crime against a minor. With expert voices weighing in, it provides a comprehensive—if disturbing—overview of a case that may eventually test the boundaries of California’s justice system.

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Background and Crime Details

Victim, Celeste Rivas: Initially reported as 13; clarified to be 11 at first meeting with D4VD ([01:26]).
Perpetrator, David Anthony Burke (D4VD): Multi-millionaire musician accused of luring Celeste, maintaining contact via a secret cell phone, and ultimately orchestrating her murder ([01:38],[02:13]).
Method: D4VD allegedly purchased a blue kiddie pool on Amazon to contain blood during the murder and rendering of Celeste’s body ([00:00],[05:11]).
Evidence: Blue plastic pieces (from kiddie pool) found in Celeste’s wounds substantiating crime scene details ([05:11]).

2. Details of the Murder and Crime Scene

Medical Examiner’s Perspective: Dr. Kendall Crowns explains exsanguination time frames; Celeste likely died within 10 minutes due to liver wound ([03:20]).
Blue Kiddie Pool: Chosen likely for containment; Amazon purchase and forensic significance discussed ([05:11]).
Chainsaw Use: D4VD purchased and used chainsaws and a burn cage; medical implications and forensic evidence of dismemberment with chainsaw presented in detail ([07:36],[32:12],[33:53]).

3. Amazon Orders & Disposal Tools

Amazon/Home Depot Order List: Chainsaws, shovel, burn cage, garbage bags, and the kiddie pool highlight preparation and premeditation ([07:36]).
Garage Scene: Private investigator Steve Fisher describes the garage where the murder and rendering occurred. Forensics found blood via luminol and alternative light sources ([09:52],[12:52]).
Tesla Storage: Celeste’s decomposing body stored in the front trunk ("frunk") of a Tesla for months, which neighbors eventually noticed due to the smell ([20:42],[20:53]).

4. Legal Analysis: Special Circumstances and Death Penalty

“Special Circumstances”: Veteran trial lawyer Trey Lovell explains how enhancements apply, possibly qualifying the case for the death penalty ([05:56]).
Defense Strategy: Lovell notes the defense may argue D4VD's behavior post-crime (e.g., attending parties, going on tour, creating alibis) as inconsistent with that of a cold-blooded killer ([25:10],[18:42]).
Alibi Building: D4VD’s communication and travel in the 12 hours after the murder unveiled as a calculated alibi effort ([25:59]).

5. Psychological and Social Context

Callous Actions: D4VD attended his album launch party and set out on tour within 24 hours of the murder ([22:29],[23:34]).
Cell Phone Evidence: Secret cell phone delivered to Celeste via bribed schoolchild to continue illicit contact ([02:13]).
Motive: Texts reveal Celeste threatened to expose their relationship; jealousy and possible pregnancy/abortion discussions amplify presumed motive ([36:15]).

6. Forensic and Autopsy Findings

Blue Plastic Embedded in Wounds: Matched to Amazon kiddie pool ([05:11],[35:45]).
Chain Saw Forensics: Tool marks and physical evidence described by Dr. Crowns ([33:53],[34:26]).
Abortion Forensics: Potential to evidence recent abortion during autopsy discussed ([37:00]).

7. Media and Investigative Methods

TMZ Imagery & Timelines: Garage and Tesla video footage crucial in reconstructing the timeline ([08:05],[19:49]).
Photo Evidence: D4VD’s own SD card included knife-obsessed images, with some showing Celeste; implications for prosecution and defense debated ([27:52]).

Memorable Quotes and Moments

Nancy Grace's Outrage:
"Can anybody say death penalty? Because I can." ([00:00])
On the Medical Reality of the Crime:
Dr. Kendall Crowns: "If your heart's stabbed, you're going to bleed out... under a minute or so. But... she's stabbed in the abdomen, in the chest... she'll probably die in under 10 minutes from blood loss." ([03:20])
On Crime Scene Evidence:
Nancy Grace: "Blue plastic were found... in the wounds to her body... under a microscope... it's the kiddie pool." ([05:11])
Susan Hendricks: "The details here. Exactly what the D.A. said... there are special circumstances. And I agree. It's laid out perfectly." ([05:38])
On Amazon Purchases as Evidence:
Trey Lovell: "Don't you hate it when your client basically has a shopping list? ...Does the name Brian Coburger ring a bell? That devil straight from hell Ordered the murder weapon on Amazon." ([16:33])
On Dismemberment:
Dr. Kendall Crowns: "A chainsaw is actually not the best way to tear apart a body... it shoots blood and debris and bone everywhere. It's not a good way to disarticulate a body because it puts DNA all over the place." ([32:12])
On Defense Perspective:
Trey Lovell: "This actually can help the defense to show... maybe somebody was, was trying to help him and, and did it without his knowledge." ([25:10])

Key Timestamps & Segments

[00:00] – Nancy outlines the accusations, corrected age of the victim.
[01:38] – Details on grooming, secret cell phone, and bribery.
[03:20] – Dr. Crowns describes exsanguination and wounds.
[05:11] – Discovery of blue plastic, chain of forensic evidence.
[07:36] – List of Amazon/Home Depot purchases, implications of premeditation.
[09:52 – 14:01] – Private investigator describes garage/crime scene handling.
[15:03 – 16:33] – Brief advertisements (skipped here).
[19:49] – Video of Tesla, movement timeline, details of disposal.
[22:29] – Celeste’s murder juxtaposed with D4VD's album party/tour.
[25:59] – Timeline and methods of creating an alibi.
[27:52] – Photo evidence, knife fixation, defense rebuttal.
[32:12 – 35:45] – Chainsaw forensics explained; tool marks and identification.
[36:15] – Motive, inappropriate text/picture evidence, pregnancy/abortion angle.
[37:00] – Dr. Crowns discusses determination of pregnancy/abortion at autopsy.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Guest Panel

Dave Mack: Crime Stories investigative reporter
Dr. Kendall Crowns: Chief Medical Examiner, Tarrant County
Susan Hendricks: Investigative reporter, author
Trey Lovell: Veteran trial lawyer/Defense attorney
Steve Fisher: Private investigator, Search Investigations

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D4VD - Abortion, Plan B, Chainsaws and a Blue Kiddie Pool: Court Docs

Summary

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Background and Crime Details

2. Details of the Murder and Crime Scene

3. Amazon Orders & Disposal Tools

4. Legal Analysis: Special Circumstances and Death Penalty

5. Psychological and Social Context

6. Forensic and Autopsy Findings

7. Media and Investigative Methods

Memorable Quotes and Moments

Key Timestamps & Segments

Conclusion and Call to Action

Guest Panel

Transcript

Summary

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Background and Crime Details

2. Details of the Murder and Crime Scene

3. Amazon Orders & Disposal Tools

4. Legal Analysis: Special Circumstances and Death Penalty

5. Psychological and Social Context

6. Forensic and Autopsy Findings

7. Media and Investigative Methods

Memorable Quotes and Moments

Key Timestamps & Segments

Conclusion and Call to Action

Guest Panel