Los Angeles County authorities are conducting a grand jury investigation involving singer D4vd in connection with the death of a 14-year-old girl whose decomposed body was discovered in an abandoned Tesla registered to the singer. Court documents revealed that the singer, whose real name is David Burke, is the subject of the investigation, as indicated by grand jury subpoenas issued on January 15 requesting his relatives to testify.
The investigation, which has been confidential in California, was brought to light when the singer’s mother, father, and brother appealed the sealed documents in Texas. The documents suggest that the individual under investigation may have committed a murder in violation of California law.
According to court filings, the Tesla was registered in D4vd’s name at the address of his family members who were subpoenaed. While authorities have not publicly identified D4vd as a suspect, the body of Celeste Rivas Hernandez was found in the Tesla, a day after what would have been her 15th birthday. She was reported missing in 2024 from Lake Elsinore when she was 13 years old, and the documents state that she was 14 at the time of her death.
Upon searching the vehicle in a tow yard, investigators discovered a cadaver bag emitting a strong odor of decay and infested with insects. The bag contained a decomposed head and torso, with the body parts found separately in another bag. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office was called to the scene to investigate further.
Despite the ongoing investigation, representatives for D4vd have not responded to requests for comments. The District Attorney’s Office has also declined to provide any statements related to the case. The singer’s family members have been ordered to appear in California and testify as part of the investigation.
The Tesla, which appeared abandoned, was towed from an affluent Hollywood Hills neighborhood. D4vd, who was on tour at the time, initially continued performing but later canceled his shows and tours following media reports linking him to the case. The cause of Rivas Hernandez’s death has not been disclosed, as a court order had blocked the release of autopsy findings by the Los Angeles police chief.
D4vd, known for his unique music style blending indie rock, R&B, and lo-fi pop, rose to fame among Gen Z fans. Despite the controversy, he had a successful career, with hit songs like “Romantic Homicide” and albums released under major record labels. His concerts and tours were affected by the unfolding events, with several performances being cancelled in the wake of the investigation.