CASE FILE #BLPD-2022-07-20-001
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D4vd

Teen Singer Murder Investigation

CLASSIFICATION: Murder

LOCATION

Los Angeles, California

TIME PERIOD

September 2025

VICTIMS

1 confirmed

CASE ACTIONS
AI ANALYSIS
OFFICIAL BRIEFING (FACT-BASED)

In late 2025, the decomposed remains of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez were discovered inside an impounded Tesla registered to American singer David Anthony Burke, known professionally as D4vd. The incident occurred in Los Angeles, California, prompting an investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), which included a search of a property associated with Burke. Following the discovery, Burke's deluxe album edition and his Withered World tour were canceled. As of now, the investigation is ongoing, and no charges have been filed against Burke; however, the case has garnered significant media attention and public scrutiny.

COMMUNITY INTELLIGENCE (THEORY-BASED)

Investigators and the public speculate that David Anthony Burke, known as D4vd, may have been involved in the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose remains were found in a Tesla registered in his name. Some theories suggest that the cancellation of his album and tour could be linked to the investigation, raising questions about his potential involvement or knowledge of the circumstances surrounding her death. Additionally, there are concerns about the implications of his rapid rise to fame and its possible connection to the tragic event.

FULL CASE FILE

The Rise and Fall of D4vd: A True Crime Tale

The Musical Prodigy

David Anthony Burke, known to the world as D4vd, was born on March 28, 2005, in the bustling city of New York. His early years were a mosaic of gospel sounds, as his family moved to Houston, Texas, where David was homeschooled after the seventh grade. Until the age of 13, gospel music was his sole auditory companion. But then, the indie music genre, discovered through a Fortnite montage, opened new auditory horizons for him.

In 2021, David began uploading his own Fortnite montages, inadvertently igniting the spark of his musical career. He felt isolated, living vicariously through the experiences of his online friends. Yet, it was this isolation that fueled the creativity behind his music, allowing him to express circumstances he had not yet encountered in life.

A Meteoric Rise

David's foray into music was, interestingly, a strategic move to bypass YouTube's copyright strikes on his gaming montages. By creating his own music, he not only solved a problem but also unlocked a new passion. Songs like "You and I," "Take Me to the Sun," and "Runaway" found a home on SoundCloud, laying the foundation for his burgeoning career.

In July 2022, Burke released "Romantic Homicide," catapulting him into the spotlight. The song’s viral success on TikTok landed it at No. 3 on the Hot Alternative Songs charts and No. 33 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The noir-inspired music video earned a nomination for Music Video (Independent) at the 14th Hollywood Music in Media Awards. This success caught the attention of major labels, and by September, he had signed with Darkroom and Interscope Records.

Later that year, David released "Here with Me," another track that thrived on TikTok, charting at No. 60 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and breaking into the top ten in Singapore.

Continued Success and Evolution

By 2023, David had released his debut EP, "Petals to Thorns," through Darkroom and Interscope Records, followed by "The Lost Petals," an extension of its predecessor. He collaborated with Holly Humberstone on "Superbloodmoon" and joined SZA as an opening act for her SOS Tour.

David's presence grew in the gaming and lifestyle scene as well, joining 100 Thieves as a content creator in March 2024. That same month, he released "Feel It" for Amazon Prime Video's "Invincible" soundtrack. His artistic evolution continued with the release of "Where'd It Go Wrong?" and "Remember Me," featured on the "Arcane" series soundtrack.

The Dark Turn

2025 marked the release of his debut album, "Withered." His career seemed unstoppable until the shocking discovery on September 8, 2025. In an impounded Tesla registered to Burke, the decomposed remains of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez were found. The LAPD, alerted to a foul odor by a tow yard worker, discovered the body.

The vehicle had been abandoned on Bluebird Avenue in the Hollywood Hills since August 2025 and was cited for parking violations on September 3. Following the grim discovery, promotional content featuring Burke was removed by Crocs and Hollister Co. The LAPD identified the remains on September 16, confirming Rivas had been deceased for the entire period the car was abandoned.

Investigation and Aftermath

A search warrant was executed on a Hollywood Hills property previously occupied by Burke, yielding the seizure of a computer and other evidence. In response, Burke's manager, Josh Marshall, terminated the lease, and Burke moved out. High-profile attorney Blair Berk was retained as the investigation continued.

Despite the legal turmoil, Burke's music streams surged, doubling on Spotify compared to the previous week. However, the ongoing investigation led to the cancellation of his Withered World Tour and the shelving of the album's deluxe edition.

A vigil for Rivas was held in Lake Elsinore, and her body was laid to rest at Queen of Heaven Cemetery on October 6, 2025. The cause of her death remained "deferred" pending autopsy results. LAPD's Capt. Scot Williams stated that there was no suspect in Rivas' death, as the cause had not been determined, leaving open questions about possible criminal culpability beyond concealment of the body.

Musical Influences and Personal Beliefs

David's artistic influences trace back to anime series like "Dragon Ball Z," "Naruto," and "My Hero Academia." Touring with SZA and other artists allowed him to mature both personally and musically, which he shared in a 2025 interview with People.

Aligned with his personal beliefs, David identifies as a Christian, attributing his strength and creativity to his faith, as he mentioned in an interview with Astrophe Magazine.

Conclusion

David Anthony Burke's journey from a homeschooled teen with a knack for gaming to a music sensation is marred by a dark twist that no one saw coming. The investigation into the death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez continues to cast a shadow over his career, as the world waits for the truth to unfold.

Sources

For further details, visit the original Wikipedia article.

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CASE TIMELINE
Jul 20, 2022

Romantic Homicide Released

D4vd releases the single 'Romantic Homicide', which goes viral on TikTok.

Sep 1, 2022

Signed with Interscope

D4vd signs a record deal with Darkroom and Interscope Records following the success of his singles.

May 26, 2023

Debut EP Released

D4vd releases his debut EP 'Petals to Thorns', marking a significant milestone in his career.

Feb 28, 2025

Single Crashing Released

D4vd releases the single 'Crashing' featuring Kali Uchis, further establishing his presence in the music industry.

Sep 8, 2025

Body Found in Tesla

Human remains are discovered in a Tesla registered to D4vd, leading to a police investigation.

Sep 16, 2025

Body Identified

The remains found in the Tesla are identified as 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.

Sep 19, 2025

Tour Canceled

D4vd cancels his upcoming tour dates and promotional activities following the investigation.

Oct 6, 2025

Celeste Rivas Laid to Rest

Celeste Rivas is laid to rest after a private funeral service, as the investigation continues.

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