D4VD NAMED SUSPECT: SCANDAL ROCKS MUSIC INDUSTRY AFTER TEEN FOUND DEAD IN HIS TESLA

Music and pop culture are in shock as a scandal threatens to shake the reputation of one of its emerging icons. Social media and tabloids are ablaze as details of the case fuel outrage and speculation.

American singer D4vd (David Anthony Burke), 20, has been identified as a suspect in the investigation into the death of 15-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernández, whose body was found in September inside a Tesla registered in the artist’s name, according to media reports citing police sources.

The body was discovered on September 8 at a Hollywood tow yard after employees reported a foul odor coming from the vehicle, which had been towed after sitting abandoned for weeks in Hollywood Hills. According to reports cited by ABC, NBC, and TMZ, authorities found the body in the trunk, wrapped in plastic and in an advanced state of decomposition. Preliminary examinations indicated the body had been dismembered.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the teen had been reported missing in 2024 in Lake Elsinore and had previously run away from home. Her family was notified after forensic identification, while the cause and manner of death remain under investigation. ABC News reported that toxicology results and the autopsy are considered critical to moving toward potential arrests.

The vehicle, linked to the “Romantic Homicide” singer, had been reported abandoned by neighbors, who said it had been parked for about a month before being towed. Media reports state the Tesla was registered in D4vd’s name, and he had reportedly been staying at a nearby Hollywood Hills residence. In September, investigators executed a search warrant at the property, confiscating electronic devices and tools, and used luminol to detect possible traces of blood.

Police sources cited by NBC and TMZ said D4vd is considered a suspect, though no arrests have been made. NBC reported that the singer has not fully cooperated with the investigation, contradicting prior statements from his representative, who said the artist was “fully cooperating” with authorities. Other reports indicate the case is being investigated as a homicide and may involve more than one person.

The Los Angeles Times reported that investigators have not confirmed whether there was a relationship between the singer and the victim. However, family members and sources cited by local media said the teen knew the artist prior to her disappearance. A tattoo reading “Shhh…” on her right index finger, noted by the coroner, matches one visible in public photos of the singer.

Police are also investigating a nighttime trip the musician reportedly took to a remote area of Santa Barbara County in the spring of 2025, which is considered significant to the case.

D4vd released his debut album Withered in April 2025 and was on a North American tour when his connection to the investigation became known. The artist canceled the remaining dates of his tour following the release of police reports, according to Billboard.

Authorities continue to collect evidence and follow multiple leads. No arrests have been made, and no charges have been filed at this time.