Crime Stories with Nancy Grace

Episode: D4VD’S ALTER-EGO 'PAIN,' TESLA KEY CARD HIDDEN IN GUTTER, CELESTE, 14, BODY IN TRUNK
Date: September 29, 2025
Podcast: Crime Stories with Nancy Grace

Overview

This episode dives into the shocking and complex case revolving around David Anthony Burke, aka D4VD, a young music artist whose Tesla was found 150 feet from his home containing the body of Celeste, a 14-year-old girl. Nancy Grace and her expert panel unravel the facts, challenge the flood of conspiracy theories, and scrutinize digital and forensics evidence, the role of online sleuths, and the behaviors of those involved. The episode highlights the strange discovery of a Tesla key card in a gutter, the internet-fueled theories about who killed Celeste, and raises pointed questions about personal responsibility and justice for the victim.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Discovery: Tesla, Trunk & Key Card

• Tesla Key Card Found in Gutter:
  The key card to David’s Tesla — the same vehicle containing Celeste’s body, was found by a neighbor in a gutter, later posted to Reddit before being turned over to police (04:45). This odd placement sparked theorizing about what it might mean.

  “Who hides their car keys or their key card in a gutter and leaves it in that trunk of that Tesla?”
  — Nancy Grace (02:19)

• Key Card Use and Forensics:
  According to digital forensics expert Scott Eicher, key cards are typically secured by owners because phone apps often replace their use. Dropping one in a gutter is unusual; forensic evidence can be recovered unless it’s overly damaged (05:45, 08:36).

  “If it’s broken, damaged, yeah, it might be a problem identifying it, but…it’s like a programmable credit card. And just like anything else, you can get some forensics off of it.”
  — Scott Eicher (08:36)

2. Forensics on the Tesla and the Investigation

• Digital Evidence & Sentry Mode:
  Teslas have a comprehensive recording system. Cameras cover all angles, and footage—alongside telematics—may be stored in the car’s USB, not the cloud. Retrieving or deleting this USB could block access to evidence about who placed Celeste in the trunk (07:02, 44:56, 46:47).

  “There should be footage of whoever’s accessing the frunk or the front trunk of that car and all around the car as they walk up to it.”
  — Scott Eicher (47:32)

• Missed Evidence & Chain of Custody Concerns:
  Experts criticized law enforcement for missing the key card, which could raise chain of custody/evidence tampering questions for the defense (09:48, 10:47).

  “The fact that a Redditor found this on their own is embarrassing.”
  — Josh Colesrud (10:47)

3. Conspiracy Theories, Motive, & Public Obsession

• Online Speculation:
  There’s a rampant “sod defense” (“some other dude did it”) online, with wild theories circulating on Reddit and TikTok, including the possibility of David being framed (09:10, 14:58, 16:09).

  “You know what I think? We don’t know that little green men from Mars didn’t beam down and sneak into the house and drag her out and kill her and put her in his trunk. Alter frame D4VD. Really?”
  — Nancy Grace (15:12)

• Was David Framed?
  Some panelists and TikTok users posit that Burke is a scapegoat, considering his music’s dark themes and alter ego, "Pain." However, Nancy and psychologist Karen Stark dismiss this as far-fetched (21:34, 25:45).

  “That’s a lot of work to frame a young musical artist. Why would anyone want to frame him? That’s crazy talk.”
  — Nancy Grace (25:45)

• No Public Plea from David:
  Despite Celeste being missing and later found in his car, David released no public plea or statement, continuing his tour and maintaining silence—attributed to legal advice, but also questioned for its lack of empathy (28:46, 29:43, 30:49).

  “Granted, it was his first big concert, but he never stopped. He never issued a statement saying, oh, my God, I'm trying to help. Nothing at all.”
  — Nancy Grace (29:00)

4. Celeste's Life and the Timeline

• Victim’s Disappearance:
  Celeste (reported as 13 when first missing, 14 at death) had been missing before, allegedly involved romantically with David since age 11. She was found dead, partially dismembered, in a black tube top and ripped jeans, decomposing in the car’s trunk (13:53, 27:44).

• Parental Responsibility:
  Nancy repeatedly questions the parents, the lack of accountability, and how Celeste could repeatedly go off with someone much older without red flags (17:53, 18:59).

5. Debate: Accident, Overdose, or Homicide

• Medical Examiner’s Perspective:
  Dr. Kendall Crowns clarifies that dismemberment does not follow natural death, pointing out even if Celeste overdosed, someone would have had to chop and hide her body—making homicide far more likely (17:14, 20:00).

  “No, the fact that she’s been chopped up would…argue against…natural cause.”
  — Dr. Kendall Crowns (17:14)

6. Motive, Money, and the 'Alter Ego'

• Money & Lifestyle:
  Burke’s ability to afford a luxury Tesla and an expensive home at age 20 is explained by a lucrative record deal (40:04).

• Alter Ego 'Pain':
  Burke’s dark alter ego, 'Pain,' emerges through his music and videos. Panelists discuss the psychological and evidentiary significance; Nancy is skeptical this detail alone carries legal weight (42:30, 43:21).

  “It’s a great way for him to cover up or not be associated with that part of him that is perhaps homicidal or talking about death and killing…But an alter ego name does not a murder case make.”
  — Karen Stark/Nancy Grace (43:21)

7. Scrutiny of Burke’s Associates

• Manager & Family:
  Burke’s manager, Josh Marshall, is accused by online sleuths but refutes all involvement; he claims scant knowledge and that he’s neither housemate nor present in California (33:01–34:33).
  David’s mother is observed shopping for firearms in Texas following the scandal, possibly for protection (36:18).

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On Conspiracy Theories:

  “You know what this reminds me of? The theorists that claim O.J. Simpson’s son really killed Nicole Brown and Ron Goldman…”
  — Nancy Grace (15:30)

• On Grieving and Guilt:

  “If my husband went missing, I would be all over the Action News 6, 10, and 11 begging for somebody to help me find him and bring him home…No. I don’t care what anybody else has to say or all the good people telling me to shut my pie hole.”
  — Nancy Grace (31:35)

• On Forensic Evidence:

  “There’s just so much information they can get from this Tesla.”
  — Scott Eicher (45:06)

• On Parental Oversight:

  “Where were the parents in this scenario?…Who is using drugs around this little girl?”
  — Nancy Grace (18:59)

Important Timestamps

• [02:19] — Lead-in: Tesla key card found in gutter, Celeste's body in trunk introduction
• [04:45] — Neighbor finds key card, gives it to police, posts on Reddit
• [05:45] — Key card forensic importance and details
• [08:36] — Usability and retrieval of forensic evidence from a wet/damaged key card
• [09:48] — Chain of custody evidence criticisms
• [13:53] — Debate on possible motives and intelligence of the suspect
• [15:02] — Nancy lampoons conspiracy theories
• [17:14] — Dr. Crowns: Dismemberment argues against natural causes
• [21:34] — Social media users defend D4VD (“David did not do it, bro”)
• [25:45] — Nancy challenges ‘frame job’ theory with Karen Stark
• [27:44] — Celeste’s condition and what she was wearing at discovery
• [28:46] — Burke’s silence; did not issue statement regarding Celeste
• [33:01] — Manager Josh Marshall issues denial on TikTok
• [36:18] — Burke’s mother spotted purchasing AR-15 manual/protection
• [40:04] — Financial context: record deal, lifestyle
• [42:30] — Burke’s alter ego 'Pain' discussed
• [44:56] — Details on Tesla’s camera and digital evidence
• [46:47] — Sentry mode, USB storage, recoverability
• [47:32] — Potential for external cameras to record trunk access
• [54:00] — (Implied) Case is ongoing; plea for tips and remembrance of victim

Tone & Language

Nancy Grace’s signature pointed, prosecutorial style dominates—challenging guests, dismissing outlandish theories, but also drawing on empathy for Celeste and frustration at lack of answers. Panelists are blunt, well-informed, and sometimes adversarial, creating a lively, urgent environment focused on evidence, legal nuance, and victim advocacy.

Conclusion

The mystery of how Celeste came to be murdered and hidden in David Burke’s Tesla remains unsolved. Amid swirling theories, the panel underscores the importance of sound forensics, responsible investigation, and relentless advocacy for justice. Nancy Grace closes with a call for public tips and a heartfelt reminder of the human cost at the episode’s heart.

If you have information relevant to this case, contact LAPD at 213-486-6890.