David Anthony Burke, better known as d4vd, has gone from one of Gen Z’s fastest-rising music stars to the subject of a shocking investigation. The 20-year-old singer-songwriter from Texas, known for viral hits like Romantic Homicide and Here With Me, is under intense scrutiny after the decomposed remains of a missing California teenager were found in a vehicle registered to him.
Before his music career took off, d4vd built an audience as a YouTube gaming creator. In 2022, his breakthrough singles exploded on TikTok, leading to hundreds of millions of streams, two BMI Pop Awards, and opening slots for artists like SZA. His debut album Withered (April 2025) entered the Billboard 200 at No. 13, with features from Kali Uchis and 21 Savage, and included a Fortnite anthem. He performed at Coachella and Bonnaroo and was in the middle of his Withered World Tour when his career took a dramatic turn.
On September 8, 2025, authorities confirmed the identity of 15-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose body was found inside the trunk of a black Tesla belonging to d4vd. Celeste had been missing since April 2024 after last being seen in Lake Elsinore, California. Her remains, described as badly decomposed, were discovered after the car was towed from the Hollywood Hills to an impound lot, where a foul odor alerted staff.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has confirmed her identity but has not yet determined the cause or manner of death. Police are treating the case as a homicide.
Although d4vd has not been charged or named an official suspect, several troubling connections have surfaced:
On September 18, 2025, police executed a search warrant on d4vd’s Hollywood Hills rental home, seizing electronics and other potential evidence.
In the wake of the investigation, d4vd has canceled upcoming tour dates, including Seattle and several European stops. Brands such as Crocs and Hollister have cut ties, and his team has removed promotional campaigns.
Despite the backlash, his music streams have spiked. On September 21, Romantic Homicide reached its biggest streaming day ever, jumping back into Spotify’s global top 10. Some fans continue listening, while others have called for boycotts and demanded accountability.
The tragedy has sparked outrage across social media, with hashtags like #CelesteRivas trending as users question why d4vd remains free despite the car connection. Celebrities have unfollowed him, and discourse around “separating art from artist” has reignited.
Celeste’s family has launched a GoFundMe to cover funeral costs, describing her as a “beloved daughter, sister, cousin, and friend.” The service is scheduled for October 5, 2025.
The LAPD has confirmed the investigation is ongoing, with forensic analysis, digital evidence, and timeline reconstruction still underway. While d4vd’s representatives insist he is “fully cooperating,” the silence from the artist himself has only fueled speculation.
