How Singer David (D4vd), Became the Subject of Celeste Rivas Hernandez's Murder Investigation

Los Angeles, November 24, 2025--In a case that has gripped Los Angeles and the music world alike, 20-year-old rising singer David Anthony Burke, known professionally as D4vd, has been named a suspect in the death of 15-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.

What began as a missing persons report in early 2024 has escalated into a full-scale murder investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), with Burke's abandoned Tesla at the center of the probe. No arrests have been made, and the cause of death remains undetermined pending toxicology results, but the shocking discovery of Hernandez's remains has thrust the young artist's career into turmoil.

Hernandez, a resident of Lake Elsinore, California, was reported missing on April 5, 2024, after repeatedly running away from home. Friends and family described her as a vibrant teen with dreams of becoming a model, but her life had been marked by instability. For months, there were no leads until a foul odor at a Hollywood tow yard led to a grisly find on September 8, 2024-the day after what would have been her 15th birthday.

Workers at the impound lot discovered Hernandez's decomposed remains in the trunk of a white Tesla Model 3 registered to Burke. The vehicle had been abandoned on a Hollywood Hills street weeks earlier, ticketed around late August, and towed five days before the discovery. LAPD investigators believe she had been dead for several weeks, likely since the spring of 2024, based on the state of decomposition.

Singer D4vd's Tesla was where Rivas' body was found in September

Burke, who skyrocketed to fame with viral hits like "Romantic Homicide" and released his debut album Petals to Thorns in April 2024, was on tour when the body was found. The Tesla's connection to him quickly drew scrutiny. Phone and social media data from Burke's devices were triangulated to the Hollywood Hills location around the estimated time of Hernandez's death, according to law enforcement sources. A search warrant was executed at his Hollywood Hills home in September, but details remain under seal.

The LAPD's Robbery-Homicide Division took over the case, classifying it as an "investigation into murder" as they sought a court order to withhold autopsy results from the public. A security hold imposed by the court has prevented the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office from releasing key records, including the cause and manner of death, which were deferred on September 29, 2024. Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Odey Ukpo has criticized the hold as "virtually unheard of in other counties," emphasizing the office's commitment to transparency but noting legal constraints.

Unconfirmed reports from sources close to the investigation have added layers of horror to the story. TMZ cited insiders claiming Hernandez's remains were dismembered, partially frozen, wrapped in plastic, and thawing when discovered, potentially complicating efforts to determine if her death resulted from foul play or an overdose. (The coroner has since specifically stated that reports of the body having been frozen, are false). Police are exploring whether a second unidentified individual assisted in concealing the body, but officials have stressed that criminal culpability beyond concealment remains unclear without further evidence. Lab tests and toxicology reports are still pending, and sources indicate the cause of death may ultimately be ruled "undetermined."

Burke has not publicly commented on the allegations, maintaining a low profile since canceling the remainder of his U.S. tour in September. His spokesman initially stated that the singer was "fully cooperating with authorities," though an LAPD source later described him as uncooperative. D4vd's manager, Josh Marshall, broke his silence on social media in October to deny baseless TikTok rumors implicating him personally, calling the speculation "false" and "tragic," while expressing hope that authorities would resolve the matter swiftly. Marshall emphasized the emotional toll on families involved but offered no further details on Burke's role.

Hernandez's family, reeling from the loss, issued a brief statement expressing profound grief. "She was a beloved daughter, sister, cousin, and friend," they said. "Her family is heartbroken and devastated by this tragic loss. They are seeking help to lay her body to rest." A funeral was held in October, where loved ones honored her memory amid the ongoing probe.

The case highlights tensions between public interest and investigative secrecy, with the sealed records fueling online speculation and conspiracy theories. LAPD Capt. Scot Williams has urged patience, stating the department is "thoroughly examining every aspect of this case to uncover the truth and seek justice for Celeste Rivas Hernandez and her family." As the investigation continues, questions linger: Was this a homicide, an accidental overdose gone wrong, or something in between? For now, Burke remains free, his promising career overshadowed by a tragedy that demands answers.

This article is based on available public reports and official statements as of November 24, 2025. The investigation is active, and new developments could alter the narrative.