A Tesla registered to singer D4vd, legally known as David Anthony Burke, was found in a tow yard with a dead 15-year-old girl’s body in the trunk. Fans of D4vd have reacted as the case has been released to the public.
The decomposed body of 15-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez was found in a Tesla at an impound lot registered to D4vd in Hollywood on Sept. 8.
Fans continue to defend the artist, citing the lack of official charges, yet others call for accountability.
“I knew he was in Arcane, I heard some of his songs but when I heard about the body found in his car and all of the evidence pointing to how he likely did it, that sucks.” LBCC student Andrew Pastis said.
This incident promotes deeper conversations about the idolization of musicians and the lines between fandoms and celebrity responsibility.
“I think it was really interesting how everyone was so quick to jump on the train like ‘oh he was framed,’ ‘he didn’t do anything wrong,’ because if it was just some random guy, people would be fighting over it,” LBCC student Abbey Akeo said.
Since the discovery of the body, authorities have seized items, including electronics belonging to the singer during an overnight search in Los Angeles on Sept. 18.
According to the LAPD, the musician has not yet been made a suspect in the case, despite his Los Angeles home being searched overnight by authorities.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of death of Hernandez, but it has been found that she had been reported missing three times since 2024 from her home in Lake Elsinore, California before her death.
The musician started his world tour in April and cancelled his final two U.S. shows in September, since the discovery of Hernandez’s body.
Despite the allegations, his songs have risen to the charts across platforms.
As the investigation progresses, authorities are working to establish a clear timeline of events and any involvement from those who may be connected to the case.
D4vd started his career sharing his music online and streaming on the platform Twitch, quickly rose to fame without a loyal fanbase.
The case has opened an ongoing debate around one-sided connections that fans develop with public figures, and how quickly celebrities and influencers can be placed on pedestals just for them to fall as fast when controversy unravels.
As public opinion continues to sway, some defend him and others condemn his actions, while others try to make sense of the situation.
“I feel bad for the people who liked him, but there is a point where you have to stop excusing that and cut your losses,” LBCC student Ronin Peralta said.
