Singer D4vd confirmed as 'target' of investigation into murder of teen
BBC World
February 26, 2026
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Singer D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, has been identified as a "target" of a grand jury investigation into the apparent murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Her remains, including her head, torso, and severed limbs, were found in a Tesla car registered to his Texas address last September. While D4vd has not been charged or officially named a suspect, the case has drawn significant attention due to the involvement of law enforcement and the singer's family in legal proceedings.
The investigation began after investigators discovered Rivas Hernandez's decomposed remains in the front boot of the vehicle, which had been impounded at a Hollywood tow yard following reports of a foul odor. The teen, who was last seen in April 2024, had been reported missing before her remains were found. Authorities believe she had been deceased for several weeks prior to her discovery. D4vd, who was on tour at the time of the find, has not commented on the case but is said to be cooperating with police.
The unsealed court filings reveal that prosecutors believe testimony from D4vd's family—his father Dawud Burke and siblings Caleb and Colleen—is "material and necessary" to the investigation. However, the family contested the subpoena, arguing it violated their due process rights due to redacted information in the summons. This legal battle has shed light on previously undisclosed details of the case, offering the public new insights into the ongoing grand jury proceedings.
The case has gained traction not only for its grisly nature but also because it involves a celebrity and a high-profile investigation. The Los Angeles Police Department's robbery-homicide division is handling the matter, and the medical examiner's office has imposed restrictions on releasing details about the case to ensure confidentiality. As the investigation
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/26/2026