Podcast Summary: Drop Dead Serious With Ashleigh Banfield

Episode: New Surveillance Footage of D4vd's Tesla BLOWS The Case Wide Open | Celeste Rivas Hernandez Case
Date: October 18, 2025
Host: Ashleigh Banfield
Guest: Steve Fisher (Private Investigator)

Episode Overview

In this episode, Ashleigh Banfield dives into new developments in the tragic case of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, the 14-year-old whose body was discovered decomposing in the trunk of R&B singer D4vd's Tesla. After weeks of public silence, Banfield uncovers exclusive surveillance footage provided by private investigator Steve Fisher—not police—that could crucially impact the investigation. The episode is a tense, detail-driven discussion of emerging evidence and its implications for the case.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Break in the Silence: Introduction of Surveillance Footage

• Banfield points out the strange quiet surrounding the case and teases that new surveillance video has shifted its trajectory.

  “That silence just broke because tonight we are learning about brand new surveillance footage that could completely change this case.” (Banfield, 00:35)

• The source of the footage is a private investigator, not law enforcement.

2. Details From the Surveillance Video

• Footage Time/Date: Shows D4vd’s Tesla leaving his mansion and arriving at the location where it would later be found abandoned with Celeste's body inside.

  "I’ve seen the car driven to that spot. And with the dates. With the date that it was, and they left town right after that, I’m certain that that is the last time the car was driven. It was put there with her, you know, in the front trunk.” (Steve Fisher, 02:49)

  • Steve Fisher is “certain” this was the last time the car was driven before being abandoned.

• Crucial Detail: The window was partly down during the drive, even though it was a short trip and not hot enough to justify open windows.

  "The window was half to three quarters of the way down, which is... odd... unless there’s something, you know, offensive there.” (Steve Fisher, 03:47)

• Air Freshener Mystery:

  • An air freshener was conspicuously hanging from the mirror upon the car’s discovery, but not when it departed from the mansion.

  “Why in a $104,000 car is there a Christmas tree air freshener hanging from the... mirror? It seemed kind of odd to me, but I guess maybe they thought that would help, you know, mask it when they had to move the car again.” (Steve Fisher, 03:47)

3. Identity of the Driver

• The footage shows a person driving the Tesla who is identifiable by their outfit—a detail Steve links to security photos from 12 hours earlier.

  “You can see the person, and you can see what they’re... They’re wearing something pretty distinctive. And there’s photos that I have from 12 hours earlier, a person at the house wearing the same thing.” (Steve Fisher, 05:11)

• Steve Fisher declines to publicly name the driver, deferring to LAPD’s ongoing investigation.

  "I honestly wish I could tell you... I’d rather LAPD make that announcement.” (Steve Fisher, 06:01)

• Banfield clarifies that all evidence was handed over to LAPD, but stresses the significance:

  “...it looks like this could be an ID July 29th. Important, because that was the last day that David was in Los Angeles right before he went off on his tour.” (Interview, 06:35)

4. Timeline and Alibi Context

• July 29th is critical—D4vd is confirmed in Los Angeles hours before leaving for a concert tour.
  • Steve notes social media footage supports this timeline.

  “I’ve seen on his public, social medias... hours after that car was moved, they actually got on the tour bus and headed to San Fran.” (Steve Fisher, 07:01)

5. Inside the House: Alleged Evidence of Preparation

• Steve Fisher gained access to the house through the landlord and found disturbing items related to possible body disposal, though unused.

  “These would be items that would be used if you wanted to get rid of a body. And there’s really no other purpose for them at a house like this or anything.” (Steve Fisher, 07:45)

• The LAPD photographed but did not seize these items.

  “...they said that they photographed it. I don’t know why they didn’t take it. There’s two items. I don’t know why they didn’t take them, but they said they photographed them.” (Steve Fisher, 08:37)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Why the Air Freshener Stood Out:

  “Why an $104,000 car is there a Christmas tree air freshener hanging from the... mirror? It seemed kind of odd to me...” (Steve Fisher, 03:47)

• On Driver Identity and Caution:

  “Maybe this person was just someone that was asked to move the car, you know, and didn’t know. I find that very hard to believe, and I doubt that’s the case. But just in case, I’d rather LAPD make that announcement.” (Steve Fisher, 06:01)

• On Suspicious Items in the House:

  “These would be items that would be used if you wanted to get rid of a body... but they weren’t used, I’ll tell you that. They were still in the box.” (Steve Fisher, 07:45)

• Banfield’s Closing Emphasis:

  “Somebody parked that Tesla where it was abandoned and that somebody walked away. And somebody somewhere knows exactly what happened to Celeste Rivas Hernandez.” (Ashleigh Banfield, 08:47)

Important Timestamps

• 00:35: Banfield introduces the new surveillance footage and brings on PI Steve Fisher.
• 02:49: Steve Fisher explains certainty regarding the last journey of the Tesla.
• 03:47: Discussion of the unusual air freshener and partially-open window.
• 05:11: Details on identifying the driver in the footage.
• 07:01: Steve confirms D4vd left Los Angeles for San Francisco after the car drop-off.
• 07:45: Steve reveals disturbing items found in the mansion relevant to body disposal.
• 08:47: Banfield summarizes the episode and speaks directly to the justice Celeste deserves.

Conclusion

This episode uncovers pivotal new evidence in the Celeste Rivas Hernandez case, including external surveillance footage that may tie specific individuals and actions to the crime scene. Steve Fisher’s findings potentially narrow the timeline and implicate individuals based on video and physical evidence. Banfield closes with a strong reminder: justice for Celeste is not just serious—it’s “drop dead serious.”

For listeners seeking critical updates and deeper context, this episode delivers exclusive investigative work and raises urgent new questions about responsibility, evidence handling, and the quest for justice in a complex, heartbreaking case.