Los Angeles authorities are investigating musician D4vd, whose real name is David Burke, as a potential suspect in the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose remains were discovered in the front trunk of his Tesla. The case, which began unfolding months ago, has escalated with the unsealing of court documents revealing Burke is listed as “Target David Burke” in a grand jury subpoena.
The investigation centers around the discovery of Hernandez’s dismembered body in September 2023, after the vehicle was towed from a Hollywood street. The grim find prompted a months-long investigation, and prosecutors began presenting evidence to a grand jury in November, according to Rolling Stone. The case has drawn significant attention, particularly given D4vd’s rising musical profile before the investigation halted his career trajectory.
Details from the Subpoena
According to the subpoena, obtained as part of a legal challenge by Burke’s family in Texas, Los Angeles police found a “black cadaver bag covered with insects and a strong odor of decay” when they searched the Tesla on September 8th. Investigators partially unzipped the bag and discovered “a decomposed head, and torso.” Further examination revealed the victim’s arms and legs had been severed, and were found in a second black bag. Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney Beth Silverman issued the subpoenas on January 15th, and Superior Court Judge Craig Richman approved them.
The subpoenas sought testimony from Burke’s father, Dawud, mother, Colleen, and brother, Caleb. The First Court of Appeals in Texas denied petitions from the family to avoid testifying, according to court documents. The court specifically referenced “The People of the State of California v. David Burke” as the underlying case, pending in the 506th District Court of Waller County, Texas, with Judge Gary W. Chaney presiding, though no public record of such a case currently exists.
Timeline of Events and Investigation
Authorities located the Tesla abandoned on Bluebird Avenue in the Hollywood Hills, where it had reportedly been parked since late July, around the time D4vd began a national tour. NBC News reports that Celeste Rivas Hernandez was reported missing by her family prior to the discovery of her remains, and was identified the day after she would have turned 15. L.A. Police Captain Scot Williams, who leads the Robbery-Homicide Division, stated the victim had been deceased for “at least several weeks,” and clarified reports that the body had not been decapitated or frozen.
While the Los Angeles Police Department has not officially characterized Hernandez’s death as a homicide, a detective referred to it as a murder investigation in a court filing. Neo Langston, a friend of D4vd, was arrested in Montana after initially refusing to comply with a subpoena and has since been compelled to testify in Los Angeles.
Family Involvement and Legal Challenges
Lawyers for Burke’s family could not be reached for comment. The family has been actively contesting the subpoenas, arguing against their enforcement in Texas courts. The legal battle underscores the seriousness of the allegations and the potential for criminal charges. The investigation has also focused on the relationship between D4vd and Celeste Rivas Hernandez, though the nature of that relationship remains unclear.
D4vd’s national tour was canceled following the widespread media attention surrounding the investigation. His music, which gained popularity through platforms like TikTok, had been rapidly ascending the charts before the allegations surfaced.
As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with the case. The grand jury continues to hear evidence, and authorities are pursuing all available leads. The investigation remains active and ongoing, with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office carefully considering the evidence presented. The next steps will likely involve further witness testimony and forensic analysis.
This is a developing story. We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. Share your thoughts in the comments below, and please share this article with others.
