“Who Killed Courtney Coco?”: Dateline Reports on March 22 2025

This Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 8/7c, Dateline NBC presents “Who Killed Courtney Coco?”, an in-depth investigation into a Louisiana murder mystery that went unsolved for 15 years. Correspondent Andrea Canning explores the tragic death of 19-year-old Courtney Coco, a young woman with a promising future whose life was taken under mysterious circumstances in 2004. The case remained cold for years, leaving her family without answers—until a determined push for justice finally led to a conviction.

A Young Life Cut Short

Courtney Coco was a 19-year-old from Alexandria, Louisiana. She had recently moved into her own apartment and was planning for a bright future. Described as kind and full of potential, Courtney was close with her family, especially her mother, Stephanie Belgard. However, in October 2004, everything changed when Courtney was found dead in an abandoned building more than 100 miles away in Baton Rouge.

Her body was discovered in a state of decomposition, making it difficult to determine the exact cause of death. Authorities noted there were no obvious signs of trauma, and no immediate suspect was identified. Investigators faced an uphill battle in solving the case, and despite efforts from law enforcement, the case eventually went cold.

A Family’s Unyielding Determination

For years, Courtney’s family refused to give up hope. Her mother, Stephanie, made a promise at Courtney’s grave to seek justice, dedicating her life to keeping her daughter’s case in the public eye. She worked closely with private investigators and journalists, refusing to let Courtney’s story fade away.

As time passed, the frustration grew. Stephanie frequently met with police, attended meetings, and urged authorities to revisit old leads. Public awareness increased when Courtney’s case was featured on the Real Life Real Crime podcast, hosted by former detective Woody Overton. The podcast reignited interest in the case and encouraged people to come forward with new information.

A Break in the Case

In 2019, 15 years after Courtney’s murder, investigators received new leads that breathed life into the stalled investigation. Law enforcement reviewed evidence, re-interviewed witnesses, and discovered previously overlooked details. Testimonies pointed to a man named David Anthony Burns, who had once been an acquaintance of Courtney.

Burns’ name had surfaced earlier in the investigation, but there had not been enough evidence to charge him. However, the renewed focus on the case led to a crucial development: multiple witnesses came forward, claiming that Burns had confessed to killing Courtney. These statements, along with other investigative findings, provided the foundation for his arrest.

The Arrest and Trial of David Anthony Burns

In April 2021, authorities arrested 45-year-old David Anthony Burns and charged him with second-degree murder. Prosecutors argued that Burns had strangled Courtney and disposed of her body in Baton Rouge, though the motive remained unclear.

The trial, held in October 2022, revealed unsettling details. The prosecution presented witness testimonies that indicated Burns had spoken about the murder, admitting to killing Courtney and discussing the disposal of her body. One witness recalled Burns making incriminating statements years earlier, suggesting that he had long believed he had escaped justice.

During the trial, Courtney’s family listened to the painful details of her final moments. The defense attempted to raise doubts, arguing that the evidence was circumstantial. However, the prosecution maintained that the weight of witness testimonies and Burns’ own admissions painted a clear picture of guilt.

After deliberation, the jury found Burns guilty of second-degree murder. In November 2022, he was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The verdict provided Courtney’s family with a long-awaited sense of justice.

A Legacy of Justice and Awareness

The resolution of Courtney Coco’s case marked the end of a long and painful journey for her family. Though they finally received answers, the loss remains immeasurable. Her mother, Stephanie, has continued to advocate for victims of unsolved crimes, urging families to never stop fighting for justice.

Courtney’s story has become a symbol of perseverance, demonstrating the power of relentless advocacy and community support. Her case has also highlighted the role that public awareness, media coverage, and investigative persistence can play in solving cold cases.

Tune in to Dateline NBC

Dateline NBC’s “Who Killed Courtney Coco?” presents the full story of this haunting case, from the initial investigation to the trial that finally held her killer accountable. Through interviews with Courtney’s family, law enforcement, and key witnesses, the episode sheds light on the twists and turns that led to justice.

Watch the powerful episode this Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 8/7c on Dateline NBC.