Singer D4vd at Center of Teen’s Grisly Murder Probe as Evidence Mounts, Conspiracy Theories Swirl
In a case that has gripped the nation with its mix of celebrity intrigue, alleged grooming, and unanswered questions, rising R&B star D4vd (real name David Anthony Burke) finds himself under intense scrutiny following the discovery of 15-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s decomposed body in the trunk of a Tesla registered to him. The Lake Elsinore teen, who vanished in April 2024 at age 14, was identified through dental records after her remains were found on September 8, 2025, in a Los Angeles repo yard. Authorities have ruled her death a homicide, but no arrests have been made, leaving fans, family, and online sleuths to piece together a disturbing timeline of events.
Hernandez’s disappearance initially drew little national attention. Last seen in Lake Elsinore, California, she was reported missing by her family, who described her as a bright, outgoing girl with dreams of her own. But the case exploded into headlines when her body was uncovered in the “frunk” (front trunk) of the abandoned Tesla Model S. The vehicle had been towed from a residential street in West Hollywood’s Doheny neighborhood after sitting idle for over a month, just before D4vd’s “Petals to Thorns” tour kicked off on August 5, 2025. Police sources indicate the car was impounded on September 6, and the gruesome discovery came two days later when repo workers noticed a foul odor. The body, wrapped in plastic and severely decomposed, showed signs of foul play, though the exact cause of death remains undisclosed pending autopsy results.
D4vd, the 20-year-old Houston-born singer known for viral hits like “Romantic Homicide” and “Here With Me,” has not been charged but is considered a person of interest. On September 17, LAPD’s Robbery-Homicide Division raided his leased Hollywood Hills home, seizing electronics and other items. TMZ reported that D4vd vacated the property shortly after, amid growing public pressure. The artist, who rose to fame via TikTok and Fortnite streams before signing with Interscope Records, canceled the remainder of his U.S. tour on September 19, citing “unforeseen circumstances.” His management has remained silent, declining comments to multiple outlets.
Circumstantial evidence linking D4vd to Hernandez has fueled widespread speculation. Social media users unearthed old Discord messages allegedly showing interactions between the two starting when she was 12 and he was 17-18. Photos surfaced of Hernandez with a “Shh” tattoo on her finger—matching one D4vd has displayed in posts. Her mother confirmed to investigators that Celeste was dating someone named “David,” and friends shared screenshots where Hernandez alluded to being in a relationship with the singer. One chilling detail: D4vd uploaded the music video for “Romantic Homicide”—a song with lyrics like “In the back of my mind, you died / And I didn’t even cry”—on September 7, 2022, Hernandez’s birthday. Leaked demos, including one titled “Celeste,” have also circulated, though their authenticity is unverified.
Online detectives point to more coincidences: Hernandez was last seen wearing Hello Kitty sandals, while D4vd has been spotted in Hello Kitty apparel. A resurfaced interview shows D4vd explaining “Romantic Homicide” as inspired by a “dark, twisted love story,” prompting accusations that the track is a confession. Timeline analysis suggests Hernandez may have lived with D4vd in the raided home, as her disappearance aligns with when his manager leased the property.
Allegations of grooming and statutory rape have intensified. Friends claimed Hernandez confided that D4vd and a associate named “Gus” assaulted her. Hernandez’s half-brother reportedly posted that “Gus” was later killed, though police have not confirmed this link. Rumors of pregnancy persist—some posts allege D4vd pressured her for an abortion, leading to murder—but official reports make no mention.
The case has sparked conspiracy theories, with some claiming it’s an “Illuminati sacrifice” for fame. Comedian Katt Williams has been invoked in viral posts, accusing D4vd of ritualistic involvement tied to his rapid rise, though Williams himself has not publicly commented. These unsubstantiated claims echo broader Hollywood underbelly narratives, amplified on platforms like TikTok and X, where hashtags like #JusticeForCeleste have trended. Critics argue such theories distract from the real tragedy: a vulnerable teen allegedly exploited by a celebrity.
Hernandez’s family, devastated, has called for justice. Her brother Matthew shared heartbreaking posts about her pleas to come home, while the community mourns the “beacon” lost to violence. Law enforcement emphasizes patience, noting much evidence is circumstantial. “Direct links are needed for charges,” a source told NewsNation. Tesla footage could be key, as fans petition Elon Musk for access.
As the investigation unfolds, D4vd’s silence speaks volumes. His streams have dipped amid boycotts, with one X user asking, “How do you buy his music?” For Hernandez’s loved ones, the quest for answers continues, a stark reminder of fame’s dark side.
