Troy Sanders
D4vd, whose real name is David Burke, is currently under investigation by a Los Angeles County grand jury regarding the tragic death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Authorities discovered her decomposed body last year in a seemingly abandoned Tesla Model Y, which is registered to the singer known for his song ‘Here With Me.’ Reports indicate that this vehicle was towed from the Hollywood Hills, as noted by The Associated Press.
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D4vd’s Family Members Appeal Subpoenas To Testify
Although police have not publicly identified D4vd as a suspect, court documents obtained by the AP on February 25 indicate that he is indeed the target of a grand jury investigation. While formal charges have not yet been filed, prosecutors allege that D4vd may be involved in committing one count of murder under California law.
“Target may be involved in having committed the following criminal offenses against the laws of the State of California, to wit: One count of Murder.”
On January 15, grand jury subpoenas were issued, seeking testimony from three of D4vd’s relatives. Initially sealed in California, these documents became public after D4vd’s family appealed their subpoenas in Texas. Notably, the Tesla associated with the case was registered at the address of his relatives. A Texas judge ruled that the family members must comply with the subpoenas and testify in California, though it remains unclear if they have done so.
What Gruesome Details Did the Subpoena Reveal About Celeste’s Body?
Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s body was found on September 8, just one day after her 15th birthday. She was reported missing in 2024 from Lake Elsinore, California, approximately 70 miles southeast of Los Angeles. Court documents indicate that authorities listed her age as 14 at the time of her death.
The subpoena reveals that police investigators discovered a cadaver bag in the Tesla, which was “covered with insects and a strong odor of decay.” The documents state that detectives partially unzipped the bag and observed a decomposed head and torso.
“Upon removing the cadaver bag from the front storage compartment, it was discovered the arms and legs had been severed from the body,” the document states. “A second black bag was discovered underneath the cadaver bag. Upon opening the second bag, the dismembered body parts were discovered.”
Before the search, the Tesla had been towed from an upscale neighborhood in the Hollywood Hills, where it had been left abandoned.
For context, the Medical Examiner’s Office previously stated that Celeste’s body was severely decomposed and likely had been dead for an extended period before discovery. In November, Los Angeles police obtained a judge’s order to prevent Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Odey Ukpo from releasing autopsy findings. The cause of death remains undisclosed.
What Has D4vd And His Team Said About The Grand Jury Investigation?
D4vd has gained significant popularity among Gen Z fans for his unique blend of indie rock, R&B, and lo-fi pop. He went viral on TikTok in 2022 with his hit ‘Romantic Homicide,’ which peaked at No. 4 on Billboard’s Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart. Following this success, he signed with Darkroom and Interscope Records, releasing his debut EP ‘Petals to Thorns’ and a follow-up, ‘The Lost Petals,’ in 2023.
At the time of Celeste’s body discovery, D4vd was on a U.S. tour supporting his first full-length album, ‘Withered.’ Despite the circumstances, he continued to perform at several shows. However, his last two U.S. shows in San Francisco and Los Angeles, along with a scheduled performance at LA’s Grammy Museum, were ultimately canceled. His European tour, which was slated to begin in Norway, was also canceled.
Representatives for D4vd have not responded to the Associated Press’s request for comment. The District Attorney’s Office has also declined to provide any comments regarding the ongoing investigation.
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Associated Press Entertainment writer Andrew Dalton, writer Jaimie Ding, and former AP writer Itzel Luna contributed to this report via Newsroom.
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