Singer D4vd Named Suspect After Body of Missing 15-Year-Old Found in Trunk of His Tesla

Los Angeles police have identified recording artist David Anthony Burke, known professionally as D4vd, as a suspect in the death of 15-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose remains were discovered inside a Tesla registered to the singer earlier this year, according to law-enforcement sources.

The investigation began on Sept. 8, when officers were called to an impound lot in Hollywood after employees reported a strong odor coming from one of the vehicles. Personnel located the source in the front trunk of a black Tesla that had been towed to the facility two days earlier. The vehicle had been removed from a Hollywood street after it was found abandoned, authorities said.

Inside the front storage compartment, officers found a body in an advanced state of decomposition. The remains were later identified as those of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, a resident of Lake Elsinore in Riverside County who had been reported missing last year. Identification was confirmed by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner through forensic procedures, investigators said.

Sources familiar with the case stated that the body was dismembered before being placed in the vehicle. Detectives believe the dismemberment and disposal likely involved more than one individual, and they have interviewed several people who may have knowledge of the circumstances. No arrests have been made, and officials have not disclosed the identities of additional persons of interest.

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has yet to determine an official cause and manner of death. However, investigators anticipate a ruling in the near future, saying that confirmation of how the teen died will be essential to establishing criminal charges. Information on autopsy protocols and pending cases is available on the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner’s official website.

Burke, 20, is alleged to be withholding cooperation with detectives, according to two senior law-enforcement officials briefed on the matter. Shortly after the victim was identified in mid-September, officers executed a search warrant at a Los Angeles residence where the singer had been staying. Details of items collected during that search have not been released.

Known for his viral success on TikTok, where he has nearly four million followers, Burke was on the North American leg of his “Withered” world tour when the discovery was made. Subsequent concerts in San Francisco, Los Angeles and several European cities were canceled. Promotion for a deluxe edition of his debut album, previously scheduled for release on Sept. 19, was also suspended, according to individuals connected to the artist’s management.

Imagem: Internet

Investigators estimate that Hernandez had been dead for several weeks before the Tesla was towed. Detectives are examining traffic-camera footage, phone records and electronic data from the vehicle to reconstruct its movements during that period. The Tesla, registered in Burke’s name, remains in police custody as evidence.

Law-enforcement officials have not disclosed a potential motive. They also have not commented on any prior relationship between Burke and Hernandez or explained how the teen may have gained access to the vehicle. A spokesperson for the Los Angeles Police Department reiterated that the case remains open and urged anyone with information to contact homicide investigators.

Representatives for Burke have not responded to multiple requests for comment regarding the ongoing inquiry.

Crédito da imagem: Antoine Flament/Getty Images