Drop Dead Serious with Ashleigh Banfield

Episode Title: Did Celeste Die in the Spring? Inside D4vd’s Santa Barbara Mystery | Celeste Rivas Hernandez
Date: November 20, 2025
Host: Ashleigh Banfield
Guest: Harvey Levin (TMZ)

Episode Overview

In this episode, Ashleigh Banfield dives deep into the latest developments in the mysterious death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, the underage girlfriend of singer D4vd (real name: David Anthony Burke). The case, marked by secrecy, strange late-night trips, and suspicions of homicide and dismemberment, has left both investigators and journalists perplexed. Ashleigh is joined by TMZ’s Harvey Levin to discuss bombshell revelations, the LAPD’s new suspect focus, the puzzling gap between Celeste's disappearance and the discovery of her body, and the odd trip David made to Santa Barbara in the spring.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Bombshell: D4vd (David Anthony Burke) Now a Suspect

• LAPD Investigation Update: After two and a half months with few answers, LAPD now considers David a suspect in Celeste’s death.
  • "The bombshell, though, this week was that LAPD sources say investigators now consider David the singer a suspect, which might raise the question, what took them so long?" — Ashleigh (01:37)
• Uncertainty Remains: There is still no official cause of death, and toxicology results remain with the medical examiner.

2. Mysterious Santa Barbara Trip

• Key Timelines:
  • David reportedly took a midnight trip to a remote part of Santa Barbara County in the spring—months before Celeste’s remains were found in his Tesla (03:39, 05:39).
  • The trip lasted just a couple of hours.
• Possible Theories:
  • Was this trip an effort to dispose of evidence?
  • Why was Celeste’s body found later in Los Angeles if the trip was key?
  • Potential evidence from Tesla’s onboard video/data hinted at David specifically making the trip alone.
• Jurisdictional Complexity: Involvement of Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department is unclear. Officially, LAPD remains the lead (08:09).

3. Dismemberment and Multiple Suspects

• Details on Body Discovery:
  • Celeste’s remains were found decomposed and dismembered in the trunk of David’s Tesla.
• LAPD Suspects More Than One Person:
  • "They believe there is more than one person involved in this based on the way and the manner in which the body was discovered, that it was cut up..." — Harvey (04:21)
• Confusion Over Logic: Both Ashleigh and Harvey question LAPD's reasoning, noting other cases of solo dismemberment (Jeffrey Dahmer, Robert Durst) (12:03).
  • "The more I learn, the less I know. I don't understand how the dismemberment is what makes LAPD believe that there's more than one person involved." — Harvey (12:11)

4. Evidence and Investigative Anomalies

• Unopened Tools at Rental Home:
  • Private investigator Steve Fisher found unopened, potentially relevant items (possibly buzz saws or machinery) but LAPD did not seize these as evidence (10:27).
• Strange LAPD Procedure:
  • Both host and guest question why police wouldn't collect even unused items if connected to a crime (11:06).

5. David’s Whereabouts and Law Enforcement Coordination

• David’s Location Unknown:
  • Last known to be in LA after tour, possibly hiding or moved to less media-exposed area (14:04).
• Authorities in Houston:
  • Possibility of Houston authorities cooperating with LAPD to monitor David (15:15).

6. Awaiting Critical Forensic Results

• Toxicology Holds Up Arrest:
  • Delay in autopsy and toxicology results is stalling possible arrest.
  • Tense relationship between LA Medical Examiner and LAPD may be a factor (16:00).
• Homicide vs. Overdose:
  • If the death is ruled accidental (e.g., overdose), proving homicide and pinning on a specific person becomes far more difficult.
  • "They're not looking at this as an accidental death. They are absolutely looking at this as a homicide." — Harvey (17:14; 18:41)

7. Identification Challenges

• Condition of Remains:
  • Celeste’s body was so decomposed and dismembered that gender was initially unidentifiable—ID confirmed via tattoo, with help of information from the victim's mother and media efforts (18:58).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "The more we learn about the investigation, the stranger this entire situation gets. Nothing seems to line up." — Ashleigh (00:35)
• "It's interesting… don't necessarily use logic because there are lapses in logic here." — Harvey (04:55)
• "If he's here, he is underground." — Harvey (14:04)
• "I have rarely seen the LAPD so tight-lipped on any case… And we now have sources that up to this point had not spoken." — Harvey (12:59)
• "They are absolutely looking at this as a homicide." — Harvey (18:41)
• "The more I learn, the less I know, and god, I sound like an Eagles song. But it's true." — Harvey (12:11)

Important Timestamps

• 00:35: Ashleigh summarizes the strangeness and confusion of the case as it continues to unravel.
• 03:33: Harvey confirms David is considered a suspect and that LAPD sees this as a homicide.
• 05:39: Details of the Santa Barbara county trip.
• 08:09: Discussion about jurisdiction and law enforcement cooperation.
• 10:27: Revelations about potential dismemberment tools at David's rental home.
• 14:04: Uncertainty regarding David’s current whereabouts.
• 16:00: Delays in toxicology and possible reasons.
• 18:41: Investigation is officially focused on homicide; ID of body and challenges described.

Tone and Style

Throughout, Ashleigh balances irreverent curiosity with seasoned investigative rigor, drawing on decades of crime coverage. Harvey Levin brings direct industry knowledge, often stating confusion reflective of a case where "the more I learn, the less I know." The episode is brisk, journalistic, irreverent, and open-ended, inviting listeners to keep following as the case evolves.

Summary

This episode offers a dense, insightful exploration of the Celeste Rivas Hernandez homicide investigation, focusing on newly revealed suspect status for David Anthony Burke (D4vd), mysterious movements and evidence, and profound confusion both inside LAPD and among journalists. With more questions than answers—especially around timelines, evidence, and who may have been involved—the case is set to keep listeners captivated as it develops.