Summary (tl;dr)

Singer d4vd is likely facing a murder indictment in connection with the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose decomposed remains were discovered in his impounded Tesla in September 2025.

Essential Background

David Anthony Burke, known professionally as d4vd, rose to prominence as a singer-songwriter through viral hits like "Romantic Homicide" and "Here with Me" on TikTok, which led to a record deal with Darkroom and Interscope Records. Celeste Rivas Hernandez, a teenager from Lake Elsinore, California, was reported missing in April 2024 at the age of 13.

The Full Story

In September 2025, the decomposed and partially dismembered body of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, then 14, was discovered inside the front trunk of a Tesla registered to d4vd (David Anthony Burke). The vehicle had been abandoned in the Hollywood Hills area, ticketed, and subsequently towed to an impound lot in Los Angeles. Following the grim discovery, d4vd canceled his ongoing "Withered World Tour" and the planned release of his debut album's deluxe version.

Initially, d4vd was considered a person of interest, but he was later identified as a suspect in a homicide investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department. A grand jury in Los Angeles began hearing evidence in November 2025 and is now expected to issue a murder indictment against d4vd. Prosecutors, including Beth Silverman, reportedly believe d4vd was involved in Rivas's death. Testimony has included d4vd's manager, Robert Morgenroth, who was questioned aggressively about why police were not contacted sooner regarding the discovery of the body. Investigations also reportedly led to the discovery of a "burn cage" incinerator at a Hollywood Hills rental property connected to d4vd. Additionally, both d4vd and Rivas reportedly had matching "Shhh" tattoos on their fingers, further linking them.

Why It Matters

This case has profound implications for the music career and public image of d4vd, whose rapid ascent in the entertainment industry is now overshadowed by a high-profile criminal investigation. The potential murder indictment transforms his public persona from a viral music sensation to the central figure in a serious legal battle, raising significant questions about accountability and justice. The ongoing grand jury proceedings and the severe nature of the allegations have garnered widespread media attention and are of considerable concern to his fanbase and the broader public.

Geographic Location

• Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, United States (location where d4vd's Tesla was abandoned and a rental property occupied by Burke was searched)
• Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, United States (location where the impounded Tesla containing Celeste Rivas Hernandez's body was discovered, and where grand jury proceedings are taking place)
• Lake Elsinore, Riverside County, California, United States (Celeste Rivas Hernandez's hometown and where she was reported missing)