On September 8, 2025, a dismembered body was discovered in the front storage compartment of a black Tesla after people reported a strong odor coming from the vehicle, which had been parked in a Hollywood Hills neighborhood for several weeks. Witnesses say the car appeared abandoned, and the Tesla had been towed days earlier and after sitting in the same spot for over 72 hours.
Authorities later confirmed that the vehicle is registered to 20-year-old singer-songwriter David Anthony Burke, known professionally as D4vd. Born in Queens, New York, he is known for his mix of pop, R&B, and alt-rock. His fame skyrocketed when he released one of his most well-known songs, “Romantic Homicide,” a viral hit in 2022 and hit No. 33 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner identified the remains as Celeste Rivas, a 14-year-old girl from Lake Elsinore, California. This is about 76 miles from Hollywood, where Burke’s Tesla was parked before it was towed. The Medical examiner’s report noted that the teen’s body was severely decomposed and, at the time, only described the remains as approximately 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighing around 71 pounds with dark wavy hair. Investigators say her body had most likely been in the car for several weeks before being discovered. Rivas had been reported missing on April 5, 2024, according to Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. Family members reportedly filed at least three missing persons reports for her that year.
The Los Angeles Police Department is treating the case as a homicide as there is evidence of human disturbance to the body, though no official cause of death has been released. As of now, lab tests and toxicology reports are being run to hopefully identify in what manner the victim passed away. The LAPD assured that its Robbery-Homicide Division is “thoroughly examining every aspect of this case to uncover the truth and seek justice for Celeste Rivas Hernandez and her family.” Suspects or persons of interest have not been publicly identified, and investigators have not confirmed any direct connection between Burke and Rivas. “It’s an ongoing investigation, and we have a lot of resources dedicated to bringing it to a conclusion, but to go beyond what has already been made public would be inappropriate,” says LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell.
While his representatives have not released a public statement, Burke is said to be cooperating with the authorities. He has canceled the remaining dates of his U.S. tour due to the investigation, with one of his last shows having been here in Seattle on September 16th. The day after Rivas’ remains were found, he quietly removed the rest of the American tour dates. His international tour was still expected to move forward; however, he also canceled those dates a few days after.
Despite online speculation, police have yet to establish a definitive connection between the singer and the victim. However, some developments have raised questions. Many self-proclaimed true crime lovers online have been deep diving into Burke’s history and his connection with 14-year-old Rivas, and have found some possible reasons to indicate Burke’s involvement. Sources say Burke and Rivas appeared to have matching ‘shhhh’ tattoos on their right index fingers. Additionally, fans uncovered a leaked song dated December 2023 titled Celeste_Demo unfin believed to be written by Burke. Chat logs and social media photos suggesting they knew each other have circulated online. Many fans online have speculated that Burke had a romantic relationship with Rivas, and the reason she ran away was to be with Burke.
A man claiming to be Rivas’s former science teacher at Lakeland Village Middle School told reporters that she had previously mentioned meeting Burke on social media. He alleges that the girl had run away to Hollywood months before her disappearance was officially reported. He told his current students he wanted to share her story as a “cautionary tale” about the dangers of online connections.
Admist this investigation, many individuals online have been spreading misinformation about this case and about the victim and Burke himself. Several YouTube videos and true crime podcasts have come out, trying to explain the case in detail and who they believe the suspects are. As conspiracy theories arise surrounding this case, it is important to stay aware of the misinformation spreading about this case and only read trustworthy news sources.
Detectives have executed a search warrant at Burke’s Hollywood Hills residence and seized electronic devices for analysis. The investigation remains ongoing, but as of now the 20-year-old artist remains free.