Crime Stories with Nancy Grace

Episode: D4vd Defense Delays Preliminary Hearing | Crime Alert 04.30.26

Release Date: April 30, 2026
Host: Nancy Grace (Segment reported by Sydney Silvani)
Guests/Sources: Sydney Silvani (Reporter), DA Nathan Hochman, LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell

Overview

This episode delivers a breaking update on the high-profile case involving musician David Anthony Burke, known professionally as D4vd, accused of the murder and dismemberment of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The episode focuses on the latest developments in court, chilling details of the case, the timeline of Celeste's disappearance and the challenges facing both prosecution and defense. As Nancy Grace’s team breaks down the progression of the investigation, they highlight the gravity of the allegations and the impact on the victim’s family.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Preliminary Hearing Delayed Amid Media Attention

• Court Appearance & Defense Strategy:
  • Defense attorneys for David Burke requested a delay in the preliminary hearing, originally set for Friday, May 1, now moved to Tuesday, May 26, citing the need for more time to review evidence due to "extreme, extreme" media attention (00:08–00:41).
  • The defense raised concerns about potential jury pool contamination.
  • Requested that a prosecution briefing be sealed was denied by Judge Charlene Olmedo, who stated, “the case is no different from countless others in Los Angeles County involving celebrities.” (00:31)

2. Horrific Crime Synopsis & Charges

• Description of the Crime:
  • Prosecutors allege Burke murdered Celeste by stabbing and then dismembering her with chainsaws in his garage (00:50).
  • Her decomposed remains were found in September 2025 inside two plastic bags in the trunk ("frunk") of a Tesla registered to Burke, located in a North Hollywood impound lot (01:09, 01:44).
• DA’s Announcement:
  • Nathan Hochman (District Attorney):
    • "Today I am announcing the charges against David Anthony Burke, the musician known as D4vd, in connection with the brutal and horrific murder of Celeste, a 14-year-old at that time. These charges include the most serious charges that a DA's office can bring. That is, first-degree murder with special circumstances." (01:09)
    • Special circumstances: lying in wait, financial gain, and murdering a witness in an investigation (01:44, 02:48).
    • "This murder was committed for financial gain... to maintain his very lucrative musical career that Celeste was threatening..." (02:48)
    • The murder was also to silence Celeste, who was allegedly a witness to "lewd and lascivious sexual acts" Burke committed while Celeste was under 14 (02:48).

3. Discovery and Timeline of the Crime

• Missing Person Case:
  • Celeste was first reported missing in April 2024 from her home in Lake Elsinore and classified as a runaway (01:44).
• Remains Discovery:
  • Discovered in September 2025, when Burke’s abandoned Tesla was towed. Reports of a foul odor led to the discovery of Celeste’s remains (01:44–01:55).
  • Forensics confirmed identity; DA alleges motive tied to fear of career fallout from an illegal relationship (02:10–02:48).

4. Challenges in the Investigation and Delayed Arrest

• Investigation Obstacles:
  • LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell:
    • Condition of remains delayed the medical examiner’s determination of cause of death (03:50).
    • Time lapse caused evidence degradation, and officials had to sift through “a great deal of false information” spreading publicly (03:50–04:22).
    • Emphasized “patience, precision, and unwavering commitment to the facts” during the lengthy probe (03:50).
• Arrest Timeline:
  • Burke was arrested months after body identification, at a Hollywood Hills residence (04:22).

5. Defense Response & Ongoing Legal Developments

• Defense Firm Stance:
  • Burke’s defense maintains his innocence, publicly stating that evidence will show he did not cause Celeste's death (04:22).
• Law Enforcement Findings:
  • Chief McDonnell reiterates that Celeste’s last known location was Burke's home, aligning the timeline of her disappearance with her arrival there:
    • “On April 23, 2025, Ms. Rivas arrived at Mr. Burke's home in the Hollywood Hills. That's the last time she was known to be alive. On September 8, 2025, Ms. Rivas' dismembered and badly decomposed body was discovered in the front trunk of Mr. Burke's impounded Tesla.” (04:46)

6. Potential Penalties & Victim Advocacy

• Sentencing Possibilities:
  • DA’s office is considering seeking the death penalty; if not, Burke could face life without parole (05:19).
• Family’s Legal Representation:
  • Family attorneys are committed to “ensuring Celeste’s voice is heard” as proceedings continue (05:19).
• DA Hochman Promise:
  • “What they [the family] have demanded, what we have assured them... is the proof beyond a reasonable doubt on who killed their daughter and bring that killer to justice. That killer that we have now charged is David Anthony Burke.” (05:54)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Judge Olmedo (on media influence):
  • “The case is no different from countless others in Los Angeles County involving celebrities.” (00:31)
• DA Nathan Hochman:
  • “First degree murder with special circumstances…lying in wait, committing this crime for financial gain or murdering a witness in an investigation.” (01:44)
  • “This murder was committed for financial gain…to maintain his very lucrative musical career that Celeste was threatening.” (02:48)
  • “The witness to the investigation was Celeste, and the investigation was into the lewd and lascivious sexual acts committed by Mr. Burke.” (02:48)
  • “What they have demanded…is the proof beyond a reasonable doubt on who killed their daughter and bring that killer to justice.” (05:54)
• LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell:
  • “The condition of her remains delayed the medical examiner's ability to be able to determine cause of death…the substantial amount of time...meant evidence had degraded or disappeared.” (03:50)
  • “On April 23, 2025…Ms. Rivas arrived at Mr. Burke's home…That's the last time she was known to be alive.” (04:46)
• Sydney Silvani (Reporter):
  • “Burke has pleaded not guilty to all charges. He's currently being held without bail.” (01:44)
  • “Their legal representative stated they are committing to ensuring Celeste's voice is heard.” (05:19)

Segment Timestamps

• 00:08–00:41 — Preliminary hearing rescheduled; defense concerns about jury pool.
• 00:41–01:44 — Details of murder, discovery of remains, prosecution’s theory.
• 01:09, 01:44, 02:48 — DA’s remarks on charges and motives.
• 03:34–04:22 — Investigation delays and challenges explained by Chief McDonnell.
• 04:22–04:46 — Arrest of Burke, defense stance, and investigative timeline.
• 05:19–05:54 — Consideration of death penalty, victim advocacy, and DA’s public promise.

Summary

In this explosive update, Nancy Grace’s team breaks down the legal maneuvering and gruesome details in the D4vd murder case. While the defense battles potential jury bias and collects evidence, prosecutors build a case alleging calculated murder to silence a victim and protect a lucrative career. The episode spotlights law enforcement's methodical approach amid public scrutiny, and the unyielding pursuit of justice for Celeste Rivas Hernandez.