singer d4vd

Singer D4vd Identified as Suspect in Investigation of Teen Found Dead in Tesla

By CA News Staff
Updated November 19, 2025

In a shocking development that has sent ripples through the music industry and the Los Angeles community, rising indie artist David Anthony Burke, professionally known as d4vd, has been identified as a suspect in connection with the death of a teenage girl found inside a Tesla registered to him. The discovery, made in a parking lot in the Hollywood Hills, has transformed a mysterious missing persons case into a high-profile criminal investigation.

As details emerge, the narrative surrounding the "Here With Me" singer has shifted from that of a musical prodigy to a central figure in a tragic and complex police probe. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the verified facts, the timeline of events, and the broader implications of this developing story.

The Discovery and Official Allegations

The investigation centers on the death of 15-year-old Celeste Rivas, whose body was discovered wrapped in a blanket inside a Tesla Model 3. The vehicle, which had been parked for an extended period, was registered to David Burke, the artist known as d4vd.

According to official statements from the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), the vehicle was located in the 1600 block of North Hillmount Avenue, an area in the Hollywood Hills. The discovery was initially treated as a potential kidnapping or trafficking incident due to the victim's age and the suspicious circumstances. However, as forensic evidence was gathered, the focus of the investigation shifted.

On November 18, 2025, multiple major news outlets, including ABC News and NBC Los Angeles, confirmed that d4vd has been officially named as a suspect. While he has not been charged with any crime as of this writing, the designation by law enforcement indicates he is a person of significant interest in the case. The LAPD has stated that the investigation is ongoing and involves both the Robbery-Homicide Division and the Juvenile Division.

A Timeline of Tragedy: From Missing Person to Homicide

To understand the gravity of the situation, it is essential to look at the chronological sequence of events that led to d4vd being named a suspect.

• Early October 2025: Celeste Rivas is reported missing from her home in Lake Elsinore, California. Reports from family members indicate she had been dealing with issues at home and had expressed a desire to run away.
• October 5, 2025 (approximate): While the exact date of death is still under investigation, forensic pathologists estimate that Celeste died around this time.
• October 15, 2025: A Tesla, registered to David Burke (d4vd), is parked on North Hillmount Avenue in the Hollywood Hills. Surveillance footage in the area is later reviewed by detectives.
• November 8, 2025: The body of Celeste Rivas is discovered by a passerby who noticed a foul odor emanating from the vehicle.
• November 12-17, 2025: The LAPD, working with forensic experts, positively identifies the remains as those of Celeste Rivas. Autopsy results, as reported by The Guardian, indicated the death was a homicide.
• November 18, 2025: Major news organizations confirm that d4vd is a suspect in the investigation. The artist's Los Angeles home is searched by police, and several items are reportedly seized for analysis.

The Artist in the Spotlight: Who is d4vd?

Before this tragic event, David Burke, known professionally as d4vd, was on a meteoric rise to fame. A native of Houston, Texas, he gained a massive following on platforms like TikTok by creating music in a makeshift closet to avoid copyright strikes on his gaming videos.

His breakout hit, "Here With Me," released in 2022, garnered hundreds of millions of streams and catapulted him into the mainstream. Known for his melancholic vocals and lo-fi, indie-pop sound, d4vd was seen as one of the most promising young artists of his generation. He was in the midst of a major tour across North America and Europe, which has since been cancelled.

The relationship between the 23-year-old musician and the 15-year-old victim is a central point of the investigation. Unverified reports from various online sources suggest the two may have been in contact for some time, though law enforcement has not yet confirmed the nature of their relationship. The age difference alone is a critical factor that investigators are scrutinizing.

Immediate Impact on the Music Industry and Fans

The allegations against d4vd have had an immediate and severe impact. His record label, Darkroom/Interscope, has reportedly suspended all promotional activities and is cooperating fully with law enforcement. Furthermore, streaming platforms have faced a deluge of user activity, with many expressing outrage and calling for his music to be removed, while others await further evidence.

The cancellation of his "The Lost Tour" has left thousands of fans with refunds and a sense of disbelief. Social media platforms have become a battleground of opinions, with the hashtags #JusticeForCeleste and #FreeD4vd trending simultaneously, reflecting the polarized and uncertain public sentiment before any formal charges are filed.

This case also highlights the growing scrutiny on the relationships between adult influencers and minors, a topic that has become increasingly prominent in the digital age, where online interactions can quickly blur lines and create dangerous situations.

Looking Ahead: What Comes Next?

As the investigation continues, the path forward involves several key steps:

1. Forensic Analysis: The LAPD will continue to analyze evidence collected from the Tesla and d4vd's residence. This includes DNA, digital communications, and anything that could link the suspect directly to the crime.
2. Official Charges: Being named a suspect does not equate to being charged. The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office will review the evidence provided by the LAPD to determine if there is sufficient proof to file criminal charges. Given the victim's age and the homicide ruling, potential charges could be severe.
3. Public Statements: To date, d4vd and his legal team have not released a public statement. The industry and the public are watching closely for any official response or denial.

The tragic death of Celeste Rivas is a sobering reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by teenagers and the potential dangers lurking behind the curated personas of online fame. As the legal process unfolds, the primary focus must remain on seeking justice for Celeste and her family. The story of d4vd, once one of the most inspiring narratives in modern music, has become a central element in a devastating real-life tragedy that is still far from over.