Houston Bayou Serial Killer? | Crime Alert Recap Saturday 09.27.25

Summary

Crime Stories with Nancy Grace

Episode: Houston Bayou Serial Killer? | Crime Alert Recap
Date: September 27, 2025
Host: iHeartPodcasts and CrimeOnline

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Overview

This episode of Crime Stories with Nancy Grace offers a rapid-fire roundup of some of the most unsettling and talked-about crime news stories from across the country. Headlining the show are the mysterious discoveries of multiple bodies in Houston bayous, sparking viral fears of a serial killer, as well as deep dives into prominent cases including the death of a teenager in Los Angeles, a horrific domestic assault in Arizona, and a life-altering dog attack in Oklahoma. The episode delivers chilling details, expert analysis, and firsthand perspectives from officials, family members, and crime journalists.

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Key Stories & Discussion Points

1. Houston Bayou Bodies—Serial Killer Panic or Tragic Coincidence?

[00:03–01:49]

• Background: Five bodies found in Houston bayous within a week have ignited serial killer rumors online.
• Official Response:
  • Houston Mayor John Whitmore dismisses the serial killer theory, citing lack of evidence.

    "A serial killer loose in Houston is not one of our challenges today, and I would hope that you would spread that word." — Mayor Whitmore [00:13]

  • Police and city officials point to recent heavy rains likely dislodging remains, and categorize deaths variously as accidental drownings, suicides, and natural causes.
• Statistics:
  • 2025 to date: 14 bodies recovered from Houston waterways (vs. 24 in all of 2024).
  • Waterways involved: White Oak, Brays, and Green Bayous.
• Media & Social Reaction:
  • Social media speculation and conspiracy theories dismissed by law enforcement as unfounded.
  • Officials urge the public to remain cautious but not panic:

    "HPD urges residents to stay alert and report suspicious activity." — Jackie Howard [01:49]

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2. Mystery of Celeste Rivas: Teen Found Dead in Trunk of Musician’s Tesla

[02:51–06:53]

• Case Facts:
  • Celeste Rivas, 15, reported missing several times in 2024, was discovered dead in the trunk of a Tesla belonging to musician David Anthony Burke (aka David D4VD) in September 2025.
  • Remains were found after a "strong unpleasant odor" led investigators to the car.
• Investigation Details:
  • Significant weight loss noted between her missing person flyer and the recovery of her remains, raising questions about the state of the body and possible dismemberment or advanced decomposition.
  • Forensic insight explains potential causes due to a record-breaking LA heatwave.

    "Bodies do have a tendency to break down and even liquefy to a certain degree. And in this heat... it was a record breaking heat wave." — Joseph Scott Morgan, Forensic Expert [03:57]

  • Authorities confirm a matching tattoo ("Shh." on the right index finger) between the victim and the musician, but decline to draw public conclusions about significance or relationship.
• Status of Investigation:
  • David (the musician) not declared a suspect, but search warrants executed at his residence and electronics seized.
  • Musician cancels tour, remains "fully cooperative."
• Emotional Perspective:
  • Family mourns Celeste through public statements and a GoFundMe campaign; she is remembered as a "cherished daughter, cousin, and friend."
• Media Impact:
  • LA Times surfaces pattern of repeated runaways; final whereabouts remain unclear.
  • Public and press focus on the implication of shared tattoos and possible connections.

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3. Brutal Domestic Assault Sparks Outrage in Arizona

[06:53–09:22]

• Incident Summary:
  • A 32-year-old woman in Tempe, Arizona, is viciously attacked by her boyfriend, Nicholas Vanquillo, reportedly triggered by theft of a puff from his vape.
• Attack Details:
  • Victim suffered 36 head injuries, a fractured hand, and a shattered eye socket.
  • Violence escalated from physical beating to strangulation and threats with a handgun.
  • The perpetrator attempted to clean the scene but the survivor managed to escape and seek help at an In-N-Out Burger.
• Prosecutor’s Account:

  "This was an extremely vicious attack. The victim was beaten beyond recognition. She had 36 documented injuries to her head alone." — Prosecutor [07:13]

• Legal Proceedings:
  • Vanquillo, with a history of domestic violence and boastful ties to an outlaw motorcycle gang, was arrested without resistance.
  • Multiple felony charges brought; bond set at $150,000.

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4. Survivor Spotlight: Oklahoma Woman Loses Limbs in Vicious Dog Attack

[09:22–11:24]

• Incident:
  • Janelle Scott is attacked by two pit bulls in Oakmulgee, Oklahoma, resulting in the loss of all four limbs.
  • Her boyfriend tried to intervene; one attacking dog was killed in self-defense.
• Medical & Emotional Aftermath:
  • Scott’s mother, Cheryl, describes the rollercoaster of surgeries and hope despite devastation:

    "Every day is nightmarish, but her daughter is determined to fight every day." — Cheryl [10:04]

  • Janelle’s courage highlighted despite witnessing her own injuries:

    "She knew she was going to lose her right arm because she said that when she looked down at it, she could see the bone." — Cheryl [10:34]

• Investigation & Support:
  • The surviving pit bull is under investigation.
  • Dog owner was incarcerated at the time; caretaker cited for code violations.
  • Community response includes a GoFundMe that has raised over $17,000 toward Scott’s recovery.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Houston Mayor on Serial Killer Panic:

  "A serial killer loose in Houston is not one of our challenges today, and I would hope that you would spread that word." — Mayor John Whitmore [00:13]

• Forensic Analysis of Decomposition:

  "Bodies do have a tendency to break down and even liquefy to a certain degree. And in this heat... it was a record breaking heat wave." — Joseph Scott Morgan [03:57]

• On Domestic Violence:

  "The victim was beaten beyond recognition. She had 36 documented injuries to her head alone." — Prosecutor [07:13]

• Mother’s Perspective on Dog Attack Survivor:

  "Every day is nightmarish, but her daughter is determined to fight every day." — Cheryl (Janelle Scott’s Mother) [10:04]
  "She knew she was going to lose her right arm because she said that when she looked down at it, she could see the bone." — Cheryl [10:34]

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Important Timestamps

• Houston Bayou Bodies: 00:03–01:49
• Celeste Rivas Case: 02:51–06:53
• Arizona Domestic Assault: 06:53–09:22
• Oklahoma Dog Attack: 09:22–11:24

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Tone & Style

The tone is urgent, factual, and deeply empathetic, mirroring Nancy Grace’s hallmark approach to true crime: direct questions, tough commentary, and attention to the emotional toll on victims and families.

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Closing

This episode takes listeners to the front lines of America’s most troubling crime news, offering both the big-picture context and harrowing personal details that bring each story to life. Whether correcting misinformation about alleged serial killers, probing the unanswered questions in ongoing investigations, or giving voice to survivors, Crime Stories with Nancy Grace continues to inform, warn, and advocate for justice on every front.

Transcript

[Crime Alert Host]

CRIME Alert Hourly update. Breaking crime news now.

[Jackie Howard]

I'm Jackie Howard's Five bodies surfaced in Houston bayous in just one week, unleashing public fear of a serial killer. Here's Houston Mayor John Whitmore.

[Houston Mayor John Whitmore]

We have challenges. We're meeting those challenges. But a serial killer loose in Houston is not one of our challenges today, and I would hope that you would spread that word.

[Jackie Howard]

The latest find marked the fifth body recovered between September 15th and 20th, bringing the total for 2025 to 14. The bodies found in multiple waterways, including White Oak, Brays and Green Bayous. Social media users speculating conspiracy theories, but the Houston Police Department dismisses the claims, saying there is no evidence linking the deaths. Officials point to a mix of tragic causes, including accidental drownings, suicide, natural deaths. City officials say the recent heavy downpours, which dumped up to 8 inches of rain last week alone swelled the bayous and likely dislodged the remains. One of the victims was ID'd as 20 year old University of Houston student Jade McKissick, though HPD says no foul play is suspected in her death. As for the other cases, the cause and manner of death are pending a determination by the medical examiner's office. Officials confirmed there have been 14 bodies pulled from the Houston bayous this year. Last year, 24 were reportedly pulled from the waterways. As the investigations continue and online panic swells, HPD urges residents to stay alert and report suspicious activity. More crime and justice news after this.

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[Nicole Parton]

I'm Nicole Parton. As the investigation into the death of Celeste Rivas unfolds, homicide detectives are delving deeper into the details surrounding her tragic death. Celeste, whose remains were discovered in the trunk of a Tesla registered to musician David earlier this month in Los Angeles, has raised numerous questions in the wake of her discovery. The Los Angeles County Medical examiner confirmed the identity of the 15 year old girl days after her body was found on September 8 at the impound lotion. But the exact cause and manner of death are still being examined. Authorities were alerted to the scene after a strong unpleasant odor emanated from the vehicle, which is owned by the 20 year old singer, David Anthony Burke, also professionally known as David D4VD, forensic expert and host of the hit podcast Body Bags. Joseph Scott Morgan explains the breakdown of what was happening to young Celeste's body inside that Tesla.

[Houston Mayor John Whitmore]

If you look at the flyer that they put out when she was missing, you notice her weight. It was 120 when they recovered her remains. 71 pounds. That's 49 pounds she's missing. So what can we determine from that? Well, we've heard reports of dismemberment and there was one report from the police that said the body was not intact. So either we're missing something or she's in such an advanced state of decomposition. And look, I don't want to go too far over the top here, but bodies do have a tendency to break down and even liquefy to a certain degree. And in this heat, and I even remember in August I've got friends in LA and they were talking about it was a record breaking heat wave that they were in during this specific period of time.

[Nicole Parton]

The Riverside County Sheriff's Office later informed NBC News that Rivas had been reported missing in 2024 from Lake Eleanor, California. The Riverside County Police Department later informed NBC News that the girl had been reported missing in 2024. Family and friends have remembered her through a GoFundMe campaign, describing her as cherished daughter, a cousin and a friend. A report by the Los Angeles Times revealed that Revis had reportedly gone missing at least three times that year, with some local residents stating she had run away previously. Again, however, her last known location remains uncertain. While the singer David has not been declared a suspect or charged with any crime. A spokesperson for the Los Angeles Police Department indicated that on September 18th that detectives executed a search warrant at the residence linked to the singer. According to law enforcement sources, this residence is where David had been residing. The spokesperson mentioned that multiple pieces of evidence were collected and that investigators are pursuing various leads. The LA Times reported that among the items taken from the home were electronics and computers. A representative for David previously told NBC Los Angeles that the artist was aware of the situation and fully cooperating with law enforcement. However, David's reps have not released further information. Investigators have not disclosed any info regarding a potential connection between David and Reavis. Interestingly, the medical examiner noted that Revis had a tattoo on her right index finger reading Shh. Which matches a tattoo that David also has on the same finger as seen in a photo taken in 2024. Authorities have yet to address significance, if any, of the matching tattoos. David, who also gained his recognition for songs like Here With Me and Romantic homicide, released his debut album, Withered, in April 25. Following the shocking discovery, he canceled the remainder of his US Tours.

[Jennifer Gould]

I'm Jennifer Gould. A single puff from an E cigarette sparked a life altering act of brutality in a Tempe, Arizona apartment where a 32 year old man allegedly beat his girlfriend so savagely her face was left unrecognizable. Here's the prosecutor in court.

[Nicole Parton]

This was an extremely vicious attack. The victim was beaten beyond recognition. She had 36 documented injuries to her head alone. She required significant medical intervention.

[Jennifer Gould]

Cops say Nicholas Vanquillo flew into a rage after he discovered the woman, his romantic partner, had used his vape while he was in the shower. The victim was hospitalized with 36 documented injuries to her head alone, including a fractured hand and a shattered eye socket. The vicious attack unfolded at the couple's apartment. Prosecutors revealed in a bond hearing that Vanquillo, enraged after noticing a puff was missing from his vape, grabbed the woman, slammed her against a living room wall and unleashed a barrage of punches to her face and body. The violence escalated as he dragged her into a bathroom, threw her on the floor and began to strangle her until she nearly lost consciousness. The brutality continued with Vinquillo allegedly brandishing a handgun, pressing the barrel to her forehead and hurling a derogatory slur at her in a twisted attempt to cover up the crime. He then forced the bloodied and broken woman to shower, scrubbed the blood from the floors and dispose of her torn clothing. The victim, seizing a moment, was able to finally flee the apartment and drive to a nearby In N Out burger where she called police and was met by paramedics. Benquillo, who has a documented history of domestic violence and once boasted to the victim about ties to an outlaw motorcycle gang, surrendered without resistance. He faces multiple felonies, including aggravated assault and strangulation. The prosecutor requested a high cash bail with a judge, setting his bond at $150,000. Vanquillo remains in custody at the 4th Avenue jail as the investigation continues.

[Drew Nelson]

I'm Drew Nelson. An Oklahoma woman loses all all four limbs after a brutal dog attack in Oak Mulge. Janelle Scott was mauled by two pit bulls on September 9 while on her way to see a friend. Her boyfriend was with her and tried to fight the dogs off. One of the dogs turned on him and he killed it in self defense. Police said the dog's owner was in jail at the time and a friend had been watching them. Officers later found Scott in a wooded area with what they described as significant and severe injuries and rushed her to the hospital. Scott first lost her right arm and left leg. Within days, doctors amputated her other arm. Her mother, Cheryl, spoke to Koki, saying every day is nightmarish, but her daughter is determined to fight every day that.

[Cheryl (Janelle Scott's Mother)]

She has to go to surgery. It's been hard. I was wondering how much more can they do? When she lost all her limbs, I thought, okay, well now her body's gonna be able to heal.

[Drew Nelson]

Cheryl explains that her daughter knew the dogs and did not expect such a violent attack.

[Cheryl (Janelle Scott's Mother)]

Where the friend lives, you have to go through a little wooded area to get up there. I guess he lives in a camper or something. And so she was going up that way when the dogs came out in the and she knew the dogs and they knew her.

[Drew Nelson]

Janelle told her mom. She knew the situation was dire.

[Cheryl (Janelle Scott's Mother)]

She knew she was going to lose her right arm because she said that when she looked down at it, she could see the bone.

[Drew Nelson]

Even with more surgery scheduled, Janelle says her daughter remains hopeful. Police confirm that one pit bull was killed and the second remains alive but under investigation. The caretaker of the dogs was cited for animal code violations. Janelle will need long term care and prosthetics. A GoFundMe created by relatives has raised more than 17,000 DOL toward an $18,000 goal. For the latest crime and justice news, follow Crime Alert's hourly update on your favorite podcast app. With this Crime Alert, I'm Drew Nelson.

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