Los Angeles police have opened a death investigation after human remains were found inside a Tesla registered to rising singer David Anthony Burke, better known as D4vd. Authorities said the car was impounded at a Hollywood tow yard when staff noticed a strong odor coming from the trunk on September 8. Police discovered a closed bag containing the decomposed body of a female.
Police have confirmed that the Tesla was the property of the 20-year-old artist and was in his name in Texas. The victim who was small-built with a distinctive tattoo on a finger remains unidentified. Forensic experts are of the opinion that identification could take time considering the level of deterioration and suspected dismemberment.
A tweet from X.
The Los Angeles Police Department stressed that this is a “death investigation,” not a criminal charge against D4vd. No authorities have publicly named him as a suspect, and his people informed CNN that he’s fully cooperating with authorities.
Lawyers describe being “under investigation” as meaning authorities are gathering information but are not yet bringing charges. In America, individuals in such a position are not restricted from living their social and working lives, including traveling, unless they are actually charged.
Despite the discovery, D4vd’s “Withered” world tour has gone ahead as planned. Just hours after being notified of the LAPD case, the singer performed in Minneapolis, where he greeted fans with his usual giveaways of Labubus plush toys.
Born in New York in 2005, D4vd rose from uploading Fortnite clips on YouTube to global fame through viral hits such as Romantic Homicide and Here With Me, both streamed over a billion times. He now commands over 33 million monthly Spotify listeners, has worked with SZA, and walked for Valentino in Milan.
News of the discovery has shocked fans. Many expressed disbelief on social media, while others urged caution against rushing to judgment. Still, the reputational fallout has begun brands including Crocs and Hollister have reportedly paused campaigns featuring the singer.
One fan posted on X,
“I can’t believe this is real. Hope he’s innocent, but this is crazy.”
For now, the LAPD’s focus remains on identifying the victim and understanding how her body ended up in the car. As one police spokesperson put it,
“This is an active and ongoing investigation.”
