Podcast Summary: Explosive Revelation - Singer D4vd Confirmed Romantically Linked to Teen Discovered in Tesla Trunk

Podcast: Drop Dead Serious with Ashleigh Banfield
Host: Ashleigh Banfield
Episode Title: Explosive Revelation: Singer D4vd Confirmed Romantically Linked to Teen Discovered in Tesla Trunk
Date: September 26, 2025

Overview

This episode delivers a bombshell update in the ongoing investigation involving rising R&B star D4vd (David Anthony Burke) and the tragic death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, the underage girl discovered dead in the trunk of his Tesla. Host Ashleigh Banfield confirms, via interviews and reporting—including new testimony from close friends and sources—that D4vd and Celeste were indeed in a romantic relationship, shattering previous doubts and raising fresh legal and ethical concerns. The episode also explores how the couple allegedly met, details of Celeste's life, reactions from the LA music scene, and the broader implications for both the investigation and D4vd's skyrocketing career.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Confirmation of D4vd and Celeste’s Romantic Relationship

• Definitive Proof: Ashleigh Banfield reveals new confirmations from TMZ and direct interviews that D4vd and Celeste were, in fact, dating. Friends in the LA music scene frequently saw them together and "took it as a given" they were a couple.
  • Quote (Ashleigh Banfield, 01:05):
    “We now have the first confirmation that Celeste Rivas Hernandez...was in fact dating that much older singer. By many accounts, it seems David and Celeste had actually been dating for quite some time.”
  • Quote (Charlie Neff, 09:57):
    “The people I spoke to that were seeing them together out in the scene believes they were romantically involved.”
• Details: Friends believed Celeste was 19 and a USC student, based on her presentation and fake IDs; in reality, she was just 14.
  • Quote (Charlie Neff, 10:32):
    “They said that she attended USC from what they believed. And also she was seen at events where there’s age restrictions...”
• Timeline: D4vd and Celeste allegedly knew one another from when she was as young as 12, possibly even 11, raising additional alarm about grooming and exploitation.

2. D4vd’s Background and Financial Status

• Origins: D4vd, born in Queens and raised in Texas, found success by making Fortnite gameplay videos with his own music, which blew up on TikTok and led to a record deal.
• Record Deal Details: Signed with Interscope in 2022 for a contract reportedly worth a minimum of $3 million, possibly up to $6 million based on sales performance.
• Current Career: Despite the scandal, D4vd's music is performing exceptionally well, with singles ranking in the Spotify Top 10.

3. The Hollywood Mansion and Evidence

• House Move: D4vd’s belongings were moved out of a high-profile Hollywood Hills mansion after the lease was abruptly broken, with odd details like some movers masking their faces for anonymity.
• Key Evidence: Police confiscated crucial evidence from the house prior to the move. Friends and sources clarify that none of this evidence was among the items being relocated.

4. Community and Industry Reaction

• Shock and Denial: The LA music scene and D4vd’s friends describe him as “gentle and soft spoken”, expressing shock at his involvement in the case.
  • Quote (Charlie Neff, 11:37):
    “They knew David to be a very gentle person... Friends around him are extremely shocked that he’s even remotely connected to this grisly murder of a 14-year-old girl.”
• No Connection to Death, But Disturbing Proximity: While there’s currently no evidence tying D4vd directly to Celeste’s death, the fact her body was found in his car is deeply disturbing to those close to him and the wider public.

5. Celeste’s Presentation & Double Life

• Fake Identity: Celeste appeared older than her age and attended adult events, aided by fake IDs.
• Isolation: Neighbors and friends rarely saw her, and she wasn’t attending school; she was largely present in D4vd’s circle.
• Living Arrangements: Reports suggest Celeste was staying at D4vd’s mansion in the weeks leading up to her disappearance and subsequent death.

6. Family Backgrounds & Ongoing Police Efforts

• D4vd’s Family: His family, described as “very conservative,” remain actively involved in his life and career.
• Police Investigation: No evidence of police interviews with friends at this point, nor have there been any searches in D4vd’s Texas properties. D4vd is not currently a named person of interest but is reportedly in hiding.

Memorable Moments & Quotes

The Explosive Confirmation

• Ashleigh Banfield (16:57):
  “So that is definitive proof from David's friends that he and Celeste were romantically involved. And given the age difference…that is illegal, pure and simple.”

The Twitch Stream Incident

• Banfield plays and breaks down segments from a now-deleted D4vd Twitch stream thought to include Celeste—where chat users accuse D4vd of Epstein-like behavior.
  • Ashleigh Banfield (18:49):
    “Viewers saying, someone who looks an awful lot like Celeste is on that stream and her voice is clear as day.”
  • D4vd’s Voice (19:46):
    “Delete everything. Delete, delete everything. Everything goes. Everything goes. Everything.”
  • Ashleigh Banfield (20:14):
    “Yeah, he definitely said, ‘I media trained you.’ ...In retrospect, knowing what we know now, that this is a kid, right?...it certainly does take on a whole new meaning.”

The Stark Legal Reality

• Ashleigh Banfield (16:57):
  “Given the age difference between David and Celeste...that is illegal, pure and simple. So watch this space as to what happens with that information alone.”

Important Segments & Timestamps

• [01:05] – Ashleigh recaps the case origin, the mansion move, and kickstarts the bombshell revelation about the relationship.
• [07:56–16:15] – In-depth interview with Charlie Neff of TMZ: LA music scene confirmations, Celeste’s double life, reactions, and investigation status.
• [18:49–20:14] – Playback and analysis of incriminating Twitch stream clips involving D4vd, chat accusations, and apparent panic as the streamers attempt to erase evidence.
• [16:57] – Legal implications of the now-confirmed romantic involvement, and broader consequences.

Tone & Language

Ashleigh Banfield brings her signature irreverence and directness, expressing both journalistic skepticism and moral outrage:

• “I know it makes my skin crawl.” (01:05)
• “If you think about it…her friends would have been elementary school friends because it's only a couple years ago...” (12:14)
• “We're going to leave this one tonight. A rising star whose music is topping the charts, while his personal life and the tragic death of a teenage girl all threaten to topple everything.” (20:14)

Charlie Neff maintains a measured, factual tone, emphasizing the shock and disbelief within D4vd’s circle.

Conclusion

This episode delivers stark, new evidence of an illegal relationship at the heart of a headline-grabbing true crime story, blending exclusive reporting, insider quotes, and fresh analysis. With both the police and the public watching closely as more clues emerge, the fallout for D4vd—and for all those previously assuming innocence—remains unpredictable.

For ongoing updates and a full backstory, Ashleigh Banfield encourages listeners to follow the podcast and consult the listed episode playlist for comprehensive coverage.