Los Angeles police have identified David Burke-the 23-year-old singer known professionally as D4vd-as a suspect in the death of 15-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose decomposed remains were discovered in the front trunk of a Tesla registered to the artist. The development has placed one of Gen Z's fastest-rising performers at the center of a widening criminal investigation, prompting a wave of public scrutiny as detectives examine how the teenager's body came to be inside the impounded vehicle.
Authorities recovered the remains on September 8, 2025, after tow-yard workers reported a strong odor coming from a Tesla that had been parked for weeks in the Hollywood Hills before being impounded. Investigators said the body was wrapped in a bag and in an advanced state of decomposition when discovered. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has listed the cause and manner of death as "deferred" pending further analysis, leaving investigators to piece together a timeline while awaiting forensic results.
Internal police documents in November named Burke as a suspect, though officials have not announced any charges. The LAPD's Robbery-Homicide Division is reviewing digital evidence, surveillance footage and witness accounts to determine whether Burke had direct involvement or whether others accessed the vehicle. Police sources also indicated that some detectives are examining whether additional individuals may have been involved, including the possibility of dismemberment, a claim that has fueled public alarm but remains unconfirmed by the department.
One detail circulating widely online-a matching "Shhh ..." tattoo reportedly shared by Burke and the victim-has intensified speculation about the nature of their relationship. Investigators have not commented on any personal ties, but the tattoo report has led fans and commentators to question whether the two had prior contact.
Burke's team previously issued public statements saying he was "fully cooperating" with police. However, law enforcement sources say the level of cooperation has been inconsistent and that detectives are still seeking clarity on who had access to the Tesla during the period when Celeste disappeared. Authorities have executed at least one search warrant connected to Burke as part of their ongoing review.
The Tesla's registration, confirmed as belonging to Burke, has disrupted the singer's Withered World Tour and shifted industry perception almost overnight. Burke rose to prominence with tracks including Romantic Homicide and Here With Me, cultivating a global audience that propelled him into major venues and international festivals. Now, the allegations have become inseparable from the public conversation surrounding his career.
Reaction across social platforms has been swift and conflicted. Hashtags linked to D4vd trended on X and TikTok as fans expressed disbelief, confusion and concern. Some urged restraint until more facts emerge; others demanded accountability and justice for Celeste. Industry analysts say the case highlights the heightened scrutiny public figures face when linked to criminal investigations, especially when those investigations involve vulnerable minors.
