The investigation into the gruesome discovery of 15-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s remains has taken a dramatic turn, as authorities officially name rising TikTok musician D4vd as a primary suspect. The singer, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, 20, is currently at the center of a homicide probe after the teen’s dismembered and heavily decomposed body was discovered in the front trunk (frunk) of a Tesla registered in his name. The vehicle had been abandoned in the Hollywood Hills for nearly a month before being towed to an impound lot, where workers reported a “foul odor.”
Sources within the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) suggest that the nature of the crime—specifically the dismemberment and disposal of the body—likely involved more than one person. While Burke’s representatives initially claimed he was “fully cooperating,” police sources now allege the singer has become uncooperative as the investigation deepens. A search warrant executed at Burke’s former Hollywood Hills residence resulted in the seizure of electronics and other evidence, shortly after which the singer’s manager terminated the lease and Burke vacated the property.
Celeste, a resident of Lake Elsinore, had been reported missing multiple times throughout 2024, with her final disappearance occurring in April. Fans and investigators have noted a chilling connection between the victim and the suspect: both shared a matching “Shhh” tattoo on their right index fingers. Furthermore, private investigators have uncovered evidence including photos of the two together dating back to early 2025. The discovery has effectively derailed Burke’s meteoric rise; he has since canceled his “Withered” world tour and paused all promotional activity for his debut album.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has placed a “security hold” on the case at the request of the LAPD, meaning the official cause and manner of death will not be released to the public until the integrity of the investigation is secured. As the community of Lake Elsinore mourns at candlelit vigils, the focus remains on the pursuit of justice for a child whose life was cut short in a manner that has horrified even veteran investigators.
