Singer D4vd Named as 'Target' in Probe Into Teen's Death

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Singer D4vd, whose real name is David Burke, has been named as the target of a Los Angeles County grand jury investigation into the alleged murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Hernandez's remains were found in an abandoned Tesla registered to D4vd in September 2025, a day after what would have been her 15th birthday. Authorities have not officially named D4vd as a suspect, but he has been ordered to appear in court as part of the ongoing investigation.

Why it matters

This case has drawn significant attention due to D4vd's rising fame as a popular young singer, and the disturbing nature of the alleged crime involving the death of a teenage girl. It raises questions about the responsibilities and potential risks associated with celebrity status, as well as the challenges of investigating high-profile cases.

The details

According to court documents, when the front storage compartment of D4vd's Tesla was opened, detectives found a black cadaver bag covered with insects and a strong odor of decay. Inside the bag, they discovered a decomposed head and torso, and in a second bag underneath, severed arms and legs. Authorities have confirmed that Hernandez and D4vd were involved in a romantic relationship, though the duration is unclear.

• Celeste Rivas Hernandez was reported missing from her hometown of Lake Elsinore, California in 2024 when she was 13 years old.
• On September 8, 2025, Hernandez's remains were found in D4vd's abandoned Tesla, a day after what would have been her 15th birthday.
• On January 15, 2026, grand jury subpoenas were issued seeking to have D4vd's mother, father, and brother testify as part of the investigation.

What’s next

D4vd was asked to attend court on February 11, according to the court documents, and grand jury proceedings remain ongoing.