Singer David Anthony Burke, known by his stage name d4vd, is currently cooperating with law enforcement following the discovery of a teenage girl’s body in a vehicle registered in his name. The investigation, which is being treated as a potential homicide, began on September 8, 2024, when human remains were found in the trunk of a Tesla abandoned in West Hollywood.
Authorities from the Los Angeles Police Department reported that the car had been towed from the Hollywood Hills to a local tow yard several days prior. Employees at the tow lot alerted police after noticing a foul odor emanating from the vehicle. The remains, described as “severely decomposed” by the Los Angeles Times, were later identified as belonging to Celeste Rivas, a 15-year-old who had been reported missing in Riverside County since April 2024.
The medical examiner provided details about Rivas, noting she stood at 5’2″ and weighed around 71 pounds. At the time of her death, she was wearing a tube top and had a distinctive tattoo on her right index finger that reads “Shhh.” This tattoo has drawn attention online, especially as d4vd has been seen with a similar tattoo on his finger during performances.
Investigation Details and d4vd’s Response
The Tesla in which Rivas was discovered had Texas license plates and was confirmed by police to be registered to Burke. A spokesperson for d4vd stated that the singer is fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation. As of now, the police have not named any suspects or established a cause of death.
D4vd, a 20-year-old artist from Houston, gained popularity through his music that includes hits like “Romantic Homicide” and “Here With Me,” both of which have amassed over 1.5 billion streams on Spotify. He initially rose to fame by creating original music for Fortnite montage videos on YouTube, which led to his development as a content creator and musician.
In a recent interview, d4vd expressed the significance of Fortnite in his life, stating, “Getting to write the ‘anthem’ for it is amazing.” He released this anthem shortly before the tragic discovery of Rivas’ body.
Despite the shocking news surrounding the investigation, d4vd was on tour at the time. Reports indicate that he canceled a scheduled performance in Seattle but was still set to proceed with a concert in San Francisco.
Community Impact and Ongoing Investigation
The discovery of Rivas has sent ripples through the community, sparking conversations about safety and the circumstances surrounding her disappearance. Friends and family of Rivas are mourning her loss and seeking closure as the investigation unfolds.
As the inquiry continues, police are expected to provide further details. The case remains a priority for investigators, and they are urging anyone with information to come forward. The tragic event serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges related to youth safety and the complexities of such investigations.
The outcome of this case will likely have lasting implications not just for those directly involved, but also for the wider community and the music industry, as d4vd navigates this difficult situation while continuing his career.
