Podcast Summary: Crime Stories with Nancy Grace

Episode: Friend of Singer D4VD Arrested After Failing to Appear as Grand Jury Witness in Celeste Rivas Case | Crime Alert 6AM
Date: January 26, 2026
Host: Nancy Grace
Guests: Nicole Parton (Crime Correspondent), Additional News Voices
Podcast by: iHeartPodcasts & CrimeOnline

Overview

This episode of Crime Stories with Nancy Grace spotlights breaking developments in several disturbing cases, focusing on the arrest of a close associate of R&B artist D4VD (David Anthony Burke) as part of the ongoing investigation into the homicide of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, a 13-year-old girl from Los Angeles. The episode further reports on a devastating child homicide in Maine and the disappearance of a Houston mother. Through a fast-paced, detail-rich approach, Nancy Grace and her correspondents dissect facts, pose tough questions, and urge listeners to remain vigilant.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Arrest of David’s Associate as Grand Jury Witness (00:00–02:28)

• Nancy Grace opens with the headline: arrest of neo Langston (23), known online as "Neo the Asian," in Montana.
• Details of the Arrest:
  • Langston, noted associate of R&B singer D4VD (real name David Anthony Burke, 20), was arrested in Helena, Montana, after failing to appear as a key grand jury witness in a Los Angeles homicide case.
  • Held without bail, Langston was awaiting transfer to the LAPD.
• Context of the Case:
  • The investigation centers on the death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, last seen April 2024 at Lake Eleanor (age 13); remains found September 8th in a Tesla registered to D4VD, found at an LA towing company near one of his major performances.
  • Law enforcement sources have named D4VD as a suspect but have not charged him.
• Investigation Updates:
  • The cause of Rivas’s death is undetermined due to a court-ordered confidentiality (Dr. Ode Ukpo, Chief Medical Examiner).
  • Possibility that multiple people were involved in disposal of the body.
  • Grand jury has taken several testimonies; unclear if Langston was previously described as the "not very cooperative" witness.
• Notable Context:
  • Court documents, social media connections, and Langston’s own online persona were mentioned, linking him and Burke in the public eye.

Notable Quote

• "Langston was processed at the Lewis and Clark County Detention center and held without bail before being handed over to the LAPD officials." — Nicole Parton (00:35)
• "Authorities have stated that the investigation is still ongoing and that multiple individuals may have played a role in the disposal of the young girl's body." — Nicole Parton (01:40)
• “We are unable to disclose any information while the court order is in effect.” — Dr. Ode Ukpo, LA Chief Medical Examiner, via Nicole Parton (01:58)

2. Maine Infant Homicide (03:47–05:46)

• Case Facts:
  • 12-week-old Lila Samuels died under suspicious circumstances; her father, Sean Samuels (24), arrested and charged with her murder after an autopsy confirmed homicide.
  • Incident took place in Bangor, Maine, with first responders unable to revive the infant.
  • Relatives disclosed this was the first time Sean was alone with his daughter.
• Details from Autopsy:
  • Suffered severe injuries: four broken ribs, retinal hemorrhages, brain swelling, "acceleration-deceleration" injury, and additional broken bones.
  • Bail set at $250,000; Sean pleaded not guilty; next court appearance set for February 13.
• Notable Insight: Pattern fits classic “shaken baby syndrome” — as inferred by the medical examiner’s statement.

Notable Quote

• "An autopsy report revealed that Lila had suffered four broken ribs, retinal hemorrhages, brain swelling and other broken bones." — Nicole Parton (05:32)
• "Chief Medical Examiner Alice Brianz determined that the brain bleeding was indicative of an acceleration deceleration injury, proving the baby was murdered." — Nicole Parton (05:42)

3. Disappearance of Elsa Maria Ferreira, Houston Mother (05:46–06:27)

• Incident Recap:
  • Elsa Maria Ferreira, mother of three, vanished after visiting a laundromat in Houston. Her car, with laundry neatly folded, was found days later towed from an unfamiliar apartment complex.
  • No personal belongings were inside; her family remains desperate for answers.
  • Appeal for public tips: Houston Police Department — 832-394-1840.

Notable Quote

• "They say the mom had no connection to those apartments and the laundry found folded neatly in a basket in the backseat, the rest of Maria Ferreira's belongings gone." — Nicole Parton (06:12)

Timestamps of Important Segments

• 00:07–02:28: D4VD friend (Neo Langston) arrested, Celeste Rivas Hernandez homicide investigation details, grand jury developments.
• 03:47–05:46: Lila Samuels infant death in Maine, father’s arrest and autopsy results.
• 05:46–06:27: Missing person alert for Elsa Maria Ferreira in Houston and urgent appeal for information.

Memorable Moments

• Multiple Roles in Celeste Rivas Case: The potential for a broader conspiracy or group effort in the disposal of Celeste's body, underscoring the complexity of the investigation.
• Langston’s Social Media Persona: Emphasis on how digital footprints and online relationships helped establish personal connections vital to the investigation.
• Clinical Autopsy Details: The harrowing specifics of injuries suffered by the Maine infant, painting a clear prosecutorial narrative even before trial.
• Direct Appeals to Listeners: Nancy Grace's persistent encouragement for public participation, reinforcing her show’s commitment to solving cases.

Tone and Style

The episode maintains Nancy Grace’s characteristic urgency, directness, and focus on justice — balancing cold, hard details with impassioned appeals for listener involvement. The reporting is fact-forward, with careful attribution to law enforcement and medical statements, but always circling back to the humanity of the victims.

For more details or tips, listeners are directed to CrimeOnline.com and encouraged to join the daily podcast.