True Crime In America: September’s Biggest Headlines

True crime stories rise and fade depending on the next breaking headline. September brought updates on several major cases, ranging from targeted violence to devastating family tragedies. One case in particular, the death of teenager Celeste Rivas connected to singer D4vd, became a closely followed investigation.

Deadly Attack at ICE Office in Dallas

On September 24, a gunman opened fire at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) field office in Dallas, Texas. The shooting left one person dead and two others critically injured. Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons confirmed the attacker fired on both the building and vehicles inside the secured entryway.

Investigators recovered shell casings marked with the words “ANTI-ICE,” evidence that the FBI says points to a deliberate act of violence. The suspect, who fired from a nearby apartment, later died by suicide. No ICE agents were injured, though detainees were among the victims.

Case of Travis Decker Comes To A Close

The long search for former Army soldier Travis Decker reached an end this month. On September 18, U.S. Marshals declared Decker dead after search teams in Leavenworth, Washington, discovered skeletal remains and clothing believed to belong to him.

Decker stood accused of killing his three young daughters in May, a case that shocked the country. While federal authorities ended the manhunt, the Sheriff’s Office only recently issued formal DNA confirmation of the remains. 

Infant Death in Riverside County

California prosecutors also revealed disturbing details in the case of seven-month-old Emmanuel Haro. Initially reported as a kidnapping in August, the true crime story unraveled after investigators suspected the abduction claim was fabricated.

Emmanuel’s parents, Jake and Rebecca Haro, were arrested and charged with murder. Prosecutors said the infant endured long-term abuse and that his death could have been prevented. Jake Haro previously served time for a 2018 child abuse conviction that left another child permanently disabled. The couple pleaded not guilty in September, while investigators continue searching for Emmanuel’s remains.

The D4vd and Celeste Rivas Case

One of the month’s most interesting developments involves singer David Anthony Burke, known professionally as D4vd, and 15-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Her body was discovered earlier this month inside the front trunk of a Tesla registered to the musician. She’d been missing for over a year and the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed her identity in a true crime update on September 9.

The cause of death hasn’t been released, but the latest news revealed her remains were returned to her family. Police carried out a search warrant at a Hollywood Hills property tied to D4vd, seizing electronics and other items. Although he hasn’t been named as a suspect or charged with any crime, D4vd canceled his U.S. tour dates and reportedly cooperates with law enforcement.

Newest On D4vd

Speculation about his relationship with Celeste grew after photos, tattoos, and messages surfaced online suggesting a romantic connection. Friends of the musician claimed they believed she was older, per Banfield in an interview with TMZ. Allegedly, she had multiple fake identification documents. Meanwhile, Celeste’s family scheduled a funeral for early October.

Do you think public fascination with these cases helps to bring much-needed accountability? Or does it risk overshadowing the victims themselves? Let us know in the comments below, and come back here often for all your true crime news and updates.