David Anthony Burke, known professionally as d4vd, was a rising star with a viral hit and a rapidly growing career. However, everything changed on September 8, when authorities discovered human remains in an impounded car registered under his name. The body was later identified as Celeste Rivas, a 15-year-old California teenager who had been missing for several months. The shocking discovery of the remains has not only impacted Burke’s career but has also raised serious questions about his involvement in the tragic case. Here’s everything we know so far about d4vd and the investigation.

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1. Who is d4vd?

David Burke, who goes by the stage name d4vd, is a 20-year-old musician originally from Queens, New York. He moved to Houston, Texas, at the age of 13, where he was homeschooled by his mother. Raised in a devout Christian household, Burke was not allowed to listen to secular music until his teenage years, which significantly shaped his creative journey. Before music, Burke was deeply interested in gaming, and he even aimed to pursue a career in professional e-sports. However, it was his shift to music that would ultimately change the course of his life.

2. The Shift from Gaming to Music

Burke’s initial ambition was to make a name for himself in the world of e-sports. He joined the gaming organization Team Limit and later worked as a content creator for the gaming brand, 100 Thieves. Despite his early gaming career, Burke found a passion for music, which eventually led to his breakout as a musician. Using Bandlab on his phone, d4vd began creating original tracks, many of which featured in his gaming videos. His melancholic sound resonated with listeners, especially within the gaming community, where he had already gained a following.

3. D4vd’s Viral Success

Burke’s music began to gain significant attention when he released his single “Romantic Homicide” in 2022. The song, which expressed the deep emotions tied to the end of a relationship, quickly went viral due to its poignant lyrics and mournful tone. The track’s success catapulted d4vd into the mainstream, and he soon signed with Darkroom and Interscope Records, a division of Universal Music Group. His debut EP, Petals to Thorns, was released in May 2023, followed by his first full-length album, Withered, in April 2025. The album debuted in the top three on the Billboard Top Rock & Alternative Albums chart, cementing his place in the music industry. D4vd’s career soared even further when he opened for SZA during her 2023 SOS tour.

4. The Shocking Discovery of the Abandoned Car

The turning point in d4vd’s career came on September 8, when Los Angeles authorities discovered a body inside an impounded Tesla linked to the musician. The vehicle had been abandoned in a Hollywood Hills area for about a month before being towed. Upon further investigation, the LAPD confirmed that the Tesla, which had Texas plates, was registered under Burke’s name. The discovery was made after reports of a foul odor from the vehicle led authorities to search the car. The body, which was concealed inside the trunk, had been in a decomposed state and appeared to have been left there for an extended period of time.

5. The Identity of the Victim

The remains found inside the Tesla were identified as those of 15-year-old Celeste Rivas. Rivas had been missing since April 5, 2024, and her case had remained unsolved until this grim discovery. While the cause of death was listed as “deferred” by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, the identification of the body has shocked both Rivas’s family and the public. Although Burke has not been arrested or named a suspect in her death, authorities have stated that they are following multiple leads in the investigation. Burke’s spokesperson has confirmed that the artist is fully cooperating with authorities, but questions about his involvement remain.

6. Impact on D4vd’s Career

In the wake of the discovery, d4vd’s career has taken a significant hit. While he continued to perform on his Withered tour up until September 15, the revelation of Rivas’s death prompted the cancellation of his scheduled concert in Seattle on September 17. Furthermore, the remainder of his U.S. tour was called off, with international dates also suspended. D4vd’s deluxe album, Withered: Marcescence, which was scheduled for release on September 19, has also been put on hold. The album, which featured collaborations with artists such as Malcolm Todd, Julia Wolf, and Keshi, was highly anticipated but has now been delayed amid the ongoing investigation.

7. Community and Family Reactions

The discovery of Rivas’s body has deeply affected her family and community. Her mother reported that a tattoo on the victim’s finger, which read “Shhh…,” matched a distinctive tattoo Burke shares. This added another layer of connection between Burke and the deceased teenager. In response to the tragedy, Rivas’s hometown of Lake Elsinore held a vigil in her honor on September 21. Meanwhile, a GoFundMe page was set up for her funeral, which is scheduled for October 5, with over $24,000 raised to date.

8. Fallout for D4vd’s Collaborators

In the wake of the investigation, several of d4vd’s former collaborators and industry peers have distanced themselves from him. Kali Uchis, who worked with Burke on the song “Crashing,” made a public statement saying she would be pulling their joint content in light of the disturbing news. Furthermore, several high-profile celebrities, including Ice Spice and Addison Rae, have unfollowed Burke on social media, and brands like Hollister and Crocs have removed promotional material featuring him. This marks a stark contrast to the widespread support he once enjoyed in the industry.