The investigation into R&B singer David Anthony Burke (D4vd) following the discovery of Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s dismembered body in his Tesla has unearthed a sophisticated operation of grooming, concealment, and art that chillingly mirrored the crime. New evidence from digital forensics and witness accounts paints a picture of a calculated predator who documented his activities and was potentially aided by his inner circle.

Chilling Foreshadowing in D4vd’s Art

The most disturbing evidence found is the parallel between D4vd’s creative output and the murder itself:

“One More Dance” Music Video: Released in February 2025, the video for D4vd’s song “One More Dance” shows the singer covered in blood, dragging a body, and disposing of it in the trunk of a car. This gruesome scene was replicated seven months later when Celeste’s remains were found in the front trunk (frunk) of his Tesla.
“Itami” Alter Ego: Back in 2022, David described creating a dark alter-ego named “Itami” (Japanese for “pain”), who was an “agent of chaos.” He stated the character would “commit the crimes that I would have to solve as the detective,” a phrase now viewed as a confession wrapped in artistic narrative.
The “Withered World Tour” Prop: During his 2025 tour, David incorporated real caskets into his stage show, encouraging fans to write letters to dead people, an action now seen as insensitive and calculated, given that Celeste was likely already deceased.

New Evidence and Alleged Motive

The digital paper trail gathered from David’s seized devices during the September 17, 2025, search of his Hollywood Hills residence suggests a motive for murder and a systematic cover-up:

Possible Pregnancy Motive: Alleged screenshots from David’s Discord account dating back to July 2024 show him posting about having a “kid on the way” with an account investigators believe was Celeste’s. This potential pregnancy is speculated to be a motive for the murder, as he sought to conceal the information.
The Manager’s Role: The high-priced Hollywood Hills rental where Celeste was last seen during a prior runaway episode was leased under the name of Josh Marshall, D4vd’s manager at Interscope Records. Marshall reportedly broke the $20,000-a-month lease immediately after the police raid, fueling speculation of the manager’s involvement in the concealment operation.
Attempt to Buy Silence: Evidence suggests David may have been paying local kids in Celeste’s hometown of Lake Elsenor to keep quiet about her true age and whereabouts. Celeste was also reportedly using multiple fake IDs to appear as a 19-year-old, allowing her to move and travel with David without drawing police attention.

Systemic Failure and Continued Detachment

The tragic case also highlights multiple failures by law enforcement and social media platforms. Celeste was reported missing three times in 2024, but the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office classified her as a runaway each time. This classification led to less urgency and missed opportunities, such as when she was found days later in the same Hollywood Hills area where David was staying after her first disappearance.

Despite the mounting evidence and public outrage, David maintained complete silence and showed a disturbing lack of remorse. Reports confirmed he was active on Fortnite playing casual game modes, even after Celeste’s body was discovered, illustrating a level of detachment that shocked the community.

The case continues to be a rallying cry for systemic changes to protect vulnerable youth from predatory behavior enabled by celebrity power and influence.