A Los Angeles grand jury has identified singer D4vd as the "target" of a murder investigation following the discovery of a teenager's remains in his car. The case has drawn international attention and raised questions about what happened to 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez in the months before her body was found.
Key Takeaways
- Singer D4vd (real name David Burke) is the target of a grand jury murder investigation
- The remains of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez were found in the front trunk of his Tesla in September 2025
- The body was severely decomposed and dismembered, with investigators believing she died months earlier
- No charges have been filed as of February 2026, but prosecutors are pushing for murder charges
Background
Celeste Rivas Hernandez disappeared months before her remains were discovered on September 8, 2025. A tow yard worker in Los Angeles noticed a foul odor coming from an impounded Tesla registered to Burke and alerted police. When officers opened the front trunk, they found a black cadaver bag containing the teenager's body.
The discovery came as a shock to the music world. Burke, who performs under the stage name D4vd, was on the rise as a recording artist with a global tour planned. His Tesla had been parked on a street in the Hollywood Hills since late July, around the time he began a national tour. That tour was later canceled after the investigation drew widespread media attention.
Celeste's family had reported her missing. Authorities discovered her remains the day after her 15th birthday. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner identified the body through forensic examination on September 16, 2025.
Key Details
The Investigation
Investigators have spent months examining the circumstances surrounding Celeste's death and her relationship with D4vd. The grand jury process began in November 2025, with prosecutors presenting evidence to determine whether charges should be filed.
Court documents unsealed on February 9 reveal the extent of what police discovered. When officers opened the Tesla's trunk, they found "a black cadaver bag covered with insects and a strong odor of decay". Upon removing the bag, investigators discovered "a decomposed head and torso." A second black bag underneath contained the dismembered body parts.
Celeste had been dead for at least several weeks before discovery, according to Los Angeles Police Captain Scot Williams. Investigators believe she died in spring 2025, months before her body was found. The advanced decomposition has made determining the exact cause of death difficult.
The Grand Jury Process
Prosecutors, led by Deputy District Attorney Beth Silverman, believe Burke was involved in the death and are pushing for murder charges. The grand jury has called many witnesses to testify, including one of Burke's managers. A friend of D4vd named Neo Langston was arrested in Montana after ignoring a subpoena and was forced to return to Los Angeles to testify.
Court records show that Burke's father, mother, and brother, who reside in Texas, have been subpoenaed to testify. The First Court of Appeals in Texas denied their petitions to ignore the subpoenas on February 9.
"Accountability is coming," stated LAPD Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton on November 24, 2025, emphasizing that "no one is off the table, including Burke."
The grand jury will be asked to hand down an indictment based on physical evidence, digital records, and witness testimony. Multiple sources indicate Burke is "likely" to face murder charges. However, as of February 2026, no charges have been filed against anyone.
Sealed Medical Records
On November 21, 2025, the LAPD obtained a court order to seal the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's case file, preventing the release of any details, including the cause and manner of death. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Craig Richman granted the order, citing potential risks to the investigation or witnesses. The sealing of these records has limited public information about exactly how Celeste died.
LAPD Captain Scot Williams has stated that the body had not been decapitated or frozen, contrary to some news reports. However, the advanced state of decomposition and cryopreservation damage have complicated the investigation.
What This Means
The case represents one of the most serious allegations against a rising music artist in recent years. While D4vd has not been charged, the grand jury's identification of him as a "target" signals that prosecutors believe they have sufficient evidence to pursue murder charges. The ongoing investigation suggests authorities are building a case based on multiple forms of evidence.
The involvement of multiple people in disposing of the body, according to investigators, indicates this may not be a simple case. Burke's family members have been subpoenaed to testify raises questions about what they may know about the circumstances surrounding Celeste's death.
The case has had significant consequences for Burke's career. His rising star in the music industry has been overshadowed by the investigation, and his tour was canceled shortly after the discovery. The outcome of the grand jury process will likely determine whether he faces formal charges and a trial.
For Celeste's family, the investigation continues without closure. The sealed medical examiner's report means the public may not learn the cause of death until or unless charges are filed and a trial proceeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Celeste Rivas Hernandez's body found?
Celeste's remains were discovered on September 8, 2025, in the front trunk of an impounded Tesla registered to singer D4vd in Los Angeles. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner identified the body on September 16, 2025.
Why hasn't D4vd been charged yet?
As of February 2026, no charges have been filed because the investigation is still ongoing. The grand jury is still hearing evidence and calling witnesses to determine whether there is sufficient basis to recommend murder charges. The cause of death has been difficult to determine due to advanced decomposition.
What happened to D4vd's music career?
Burke's national tour was canceled shortly after the investigation drew worldwide media attention. His rising career in the music industry has been impacted by the case.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s body found?
Celeste’s remains were discovered on September 8, 2025, in the front trunk of an impounded Tesla registered to singer D4vd in Los Angeles. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner identified the body on September 16, 2025.
Why hasn’t D4vd been charged yet?
As of February 2026, no charges have been filed because the investigation is still ongoing. The grand jury is still hearing evidence and calling witnesses to determine whether there is sufficient basis to recommend murder charges. The cause of death has been difficult to determine due to advanced decomposition.
What happened to D4vd’s music career?
Burke’s national tour was canceled shortly after the investigation drew worldwide media attention. His rising career in the music industry has been significantly impacted by the case.
