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The case surrounding singer D4vd has shocked the entertainment world after a missing teenage girl was found dead in his Tesla in Hollywood. The investigation is now being treated as a homicide investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department.
D4vd Murder Case Overview: What Happened?
The D4vd murder case centers on the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, who went missing in California’s Inland Empire region in 2024. Months later, her decomposed body was discovered in a Tesla associated with singer David Anthony Burke, known as D4vd. Authorities are investigating the case as a suspected murder, although formal murder charges have not yet been filed.
Key points of the D4VD and Celeste case
- In September 2025, Police found Celeste Rivas’ body in a black Tesla registered to David Burke at a Hollywood tow lot.
- Victim: Celeste was a 14-year-old who had been missing since April 2024. According to reports, she may have left home to live with the singer.
- Relationship & Investigation: According to reportslAW Enforcement believes the two were involved in a relationship. The investigation included a search of a Hollywood Hills home, analysis of a mysterious trip to Santa Barbara and investigations into a possible overdose.
How is missing teenager Celeste Rivas Hernandez connected to the case?
Celeste Rivas Hernandez, 14, was reported missing in 2024. Her family and authorities had no information about her whereabouts for months. Her remains were later discovered in a vehicle at a tow lot in Hollywood on September 8, 2025. According to police, the body was in a badly decomposed state, suggesting it had been dead for several weeks before it was found. The discovery came just a day after her 15th birthday.
Who is D4vd? Singer David Anthony Burke arrested in Celeste Rivas Hernandez murder
The defendant in the D4vd murder case is 21-year-old singer David Anthony Burke, known professionally as D4vd. According to the Los Angeles Police Department, he was arrested in Hollywood shortly after 4:30 p.m. Thursday. Burke is currently being held without bail. He has not been formally charged, but prosecutors are expected to review the case for consideration.
His lawyers have strongly denied the allegations, saying: “Let us be clear that the actual evidence in this case will show that David Burke did not murder Celeste Rivas Hernandez and that he was not the reason for her death.” They said they would vigorously defend his innocence.
Hollywood Tesla Body Discovery Case: How the Investigation Began
The investigation into the Hollywood Tesla body discovery began after a foul odor was reported coming from an impounded vehicle. When police inspected the Tesla at a tow lot on September 8, 2025, they found a black bag containing human remains. The body reportedly showed extensive decomposition and insect activity. More remains were found in another bag in the car. Investigators also discovered that the Tesla had been abandoned in the Hollywood Hills before it was impounded. A search warrant was later executed at Burke’s former residence, seizing electronic devices for forensic analysis.
The Tesla was registered to 20-year-old alt-pop singer D4vd. The victim, 15-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, was identified through forensic testing.
D4vd Legal Case Update: Arrest, Bail Status and Charges
In the ongoing D4vd legal case, the singer was arrested without bail while the investigation is ongoing. The case is expected to be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for arraignment. Authorities confirmed that a grand jury investigation has been ongoing since November. Forensic evidence from the vehicle and digital devices is still being analyzed. His planned tour was canceled as the investigation intensified.
Impact on D4vd Music’s career: Tours canceled following murder investigation
Prior to the arrest, D4vd had an active music career with collaborations with Kali Uchis, 21 Savage, Laufeny and Stray Kids’ Hyunjin. He also contributed music to Fortnite. His debut album Withered was released on Darkroom and Interscope Records and peaked at number 13 on the Billboard 200 with over 521 million Spotify streams. However, the ongoing investigation and arrest led to significant disruption in his career, including the cancellation of his tour and public appearances.
