D4vd Reportedly Under Investigation in Death of Teen Found in His Tesla
Rising alt-R&B artist D4vd, real name David Anthony Burke, is being looked at as a possible suspect in the death of 17-year-old Celeste Rivas, the California teen whose body was discovered decomposing inside his Tesla, according to new reporting from TMZ.
Law enforcement sources with direct knowledge of the case told the outlet that investigators are examining D4vd’s potential involvement, though, at least for now, there is no official documentation formally naming him a suspect.
Still, one source made the department’s stance clear, saying investigators are “looking at D4vd as a suspect” as they work to piece together what happened.
Authorities are reportedly treating Rivas’ death as a homicide, though the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has not yet determined an official cause or manner of death.
Toxicology results are still pending.
One source claims the police investigation has zeroed in on what they believe may be unusual activity dating back to Spring 2025.
The outlet shared that police uncovered information suggesting the singer allegedly took a late-night trip to a remote area of Santa Barbara County and stayed there for several hours.
It’s unclear what led investigators to revisit that trip or why it would be relevant to the case, but it remains part of what they’re reviewing.
Complex was able to speak to Captain Mike Bland of the LAPD Media Relations division, who told the outlet he’s not able to “confirm or deny” the claims reported by TMZ, but it “remains an ongoing investigation by LAPD detectives.”
A Tesla registered in Burke’s name was cited for a parking violation just 11 days before the dismembered body of Rivas was discovered in its trunk, according to a report from BET.com.
Los Angeles city records show the 2023 Tesla had been sitting on Bluebird Avenue in the Hollywood Hills for more than a week before a parking officer tagged it on Aug. 27.
The car was eventually towed, and on Sept. 8, the day after what would have been Rivas’ birthday, workers at the tow yard reported a strong smell coming from the trunk. When police arrived to check it out, they discovered her body inside, wrapped in a bag.
