The world of music, often a stage for soaring success and creative expression, has been rocked by a deeply unsettling turn of events involving burgeoning artist David Burke, known by his stage name D4vd. What began as a meteoric rise to fame, fueled by viral hits and a burgeoning global tour, has now been overshadowed by a chilling discovery: the body of a deceased teenager found in a Tesla registered to the musician. This development has cast a long, somber shadow over D4vd’s promising career, leading to tour cancellations, suspended album releases, and a barrage of questions that demand answers.

David Anthony Burke, born on March 28, 2005, in Queens, New York City, embarked on his musical journey after being homeschooled in Houston, Texas. Adopting the moniker D4vd, pronounced “David” (though some, including this analyst, pronounce it as D4VD, given the phonetic nature of the number four), he initially crafted music to accompany his Fortnite gaming videos on YouTube. His breakthrough arrived in July 2022 when his single, “Romantic Homicide,” exploded on TikTok, propelling him into the spotlight. This viral success led to a record deal in September 2022, followed by another hit, “Here With Me,” which climbed to number 60 on the Billboard Hot 100. By April 2025, D4vd had released his first studio album, “Withered,” reaching number 13 on the Billboard 200 chart, and subsequently launched his “Wii World Tour” in August of the same year. However, this impressive trajectory was abruptly derailed, plunging his career into an unforeseen crisis.

The timeline of the incident unravels with a disturbing precision. On September 8, 2025, police were summoned to Hollywood Tow, an impound lot in the Hollywood Hills. Staff had reported a strong, foul odor emanating from a 2023 Tesla Model Y, attracting flies. The vehicle had been towed three days earlier, on September 5, after being parked on Bluebird Avenue for over 72 hours. It was here, in the vehicle’s front trunk, or “frunk,” that authorities made the grim discovery: a severely decomposed body, wrapped in a plastic bag. The victim was later identified as 15-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez from Lake Elsinore, who had been reported missing on April 5, 2024, when she was just 13 years old.

The Tesla, bearing a Texas license plate, was registered to David Burke in Hemstead, Texas. Curiously, Bluebird Avenue, where the car was found, is a mere 400 feet from a rented house where D4vd resided with his manager. This lavish 4,300 square foot property, valued at $4.7 million, commands a monthly rent of $14,000. Neighbors recalled the Tesla being moved multiple times since at least May 2025, often parked directly in front of D4vd’s residence, before its final placement on Bluebird Avenue, leading to its eventual towing.

The gravity of the situation escalated on September 17, 2025, when police searched D4vd’s house, seizing a computer and other items pertinent to the investigation. In the wake of these developments, D4vd canceled the remainder of his “Wii World Tour” and suspended the planned deluxe release of his album, “Withered.” The repercussions extended beyond his music career, as prominent brands like Hollister and Crocs removed him from their new ad campaigns. As of the time of this analysis, no charges have been filed, and David Burke is reportedly cooperating with the investigation. The official cause of Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s death has not yet been ruled a homicide, adding another layer of ambiguity to an already perplexing case.

Several crucial points emerge from this unfolding tragedy that warrant closer examination. Initially, reports varied regarding the state of Celeste’s body, with some suggesting dismemberment while others described it as “not intact.” This distinction is critical: dismemberment would strongly indicate homicide, whereas “not intact” could simply refer to advanced decomposition, not necessarily foul play. The delay in ruling the death a homicide may stem from difficulties in determining the exact cause of death. However, regardless of the official cause, the circumstances surrounding the discovery—a body found in a plastic bag within a frequently moved vehicle—are inherently suspicious and point towards a potential murder.

Perhaps the most pressing question on everyone’s mind is D4vd’s potential involvement. While no charges have been filed, the police are actively investigating any connection between D4vd and Celeste. Several pieces of evidence have surfaced that suggest a relationship between them. Celeste’s mother reportedly mentioned that her daughter once had a boyfriend named David, though this is a common name. More tellingly, Celeste had a tattoo on her right index finger that read “S H,” mirroring a similar tattoo on D4vd’s right index finger. Photographs have emerged showing D4vd with a person strongly resembling Celeste, and a former teacher of Celeste’s stated that she met D4vd on social media. Adding to the intrigue, one of D4vd’s demo songs contains lyrics explicitly mentioning “Celeste,” describing a girl with his name tattooed on her chest and an almost obsessive preoccupation with her presence. The fact that Celeste’s severely decomposed body was found in a Tesla registered to D4vd, a vehicle mysteriously moved around the neighborhood where he lived since May 2025, further strengthens the circumstantial link. It is reasonable to conclude that D4vd and Celeste had some form of relationship—be it as a fan, a friend, or something more.

The Tesla Model Y itself presents a perplexing element in the case. Neighbors in the Hollywood Hills observed its conspicuous presence, noting a large dent and its Texas license plate. Despite its obvious visibility, the vehicle had not been reported stolen. Given the severe decomposition of the body and the powerful odor detected by the towing company, it stands to reason that whoever last moved the vehicle should have been aware of the smell. While they might not have known a body was inside, the strong odor of decomposition would undoubtedly have prompted a typical reaction of investigation or reporting. The repeated movement of the vehicle over several months suggests an attempt to evade towing, perhaps a lapse in this effort led to its impoundment.

The police are likely focusing on D4vd’s whereabouts during the period the Tesla was being moved. While he was on tour from August 2025, neighbors reported the vehicle’s movement dating back to May 2025, raising questions about his presence at the rented house during that earlier period. Many unanswered questions persist: Was D4vd present when the Tesla began its mysterious movements? Was Celeste’s body in the vehicle before he embarked on his tour? Did he return to the rented house between shows, or was he absent the entire time? Did others reside in the house or were employees responsible for his vehicle? When was D4vd last in the Tesla, and where are the keys? Have surveillance videos from the neighborhood captured anyone moving the car, or did the Tesla’s Sentry Mode system record anything useful? Was DNA recovered from the body, the plastic bag, the vehicle, or the house? Has D4vd offered an explanation for these events, his relationship with Celeste, when he last saw or contacted her, or if he found her disappearance unusual? The resolution of even some of these questions could be pivotal in solving this complex case.

While it is impossible to definitively determine D4vd’s involvement in Celeste’s death based solely on the available evidence, several factors appear to weigh against him. The abrupt cancellation of his tour, for instance, seems highly suspicious and suggests there may not be an innocent explanation. The compelling evidence connecting D4vd to Celeste is difficult to reconcile without some form of wrongdoing being implicated. Furthermore, some of the imagery D4vd employs in his artistic persona, such as a uniform featuring a shirt covered in bloody handprints, might lead some to perceive a “dark side.” Regardless of his direct involvement, D4vd’s career now faces immense challenges. His previously described “unwarranted” success, characterized by critics as boring, overrated, unoriginal, and lacking vocal prowess, with lazy and underproduced songs, now faces a convoluted fall from grace. Even if he avoids legal repercussions, the reputational damage and financial losses are substantial. This case stands as a stark reminder of how quickly fortune can turn, transforming a rising star’s dream into a gripping, tragic mystery.