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The unfolding investigation into the tragic death of a teenage girl has rocked both the music world and the U.S. legal system. Alt-pop singer D4vd—whose real name is David Anthony Burke—has been formally identified as a target of a Los Angeles County grand jury murder probe after the decomposed and dismembered body of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez was found in the trunk of a Tesla registered to him.
What exactly is happening, what authorities have confirmed, and where the case stands now? This in-depth article breaks it all down.
Background: Who Is D4vd?
D4vd rose to fame as an alt-pop singer and songwriter. His music and online presence helped him cultivate a global fanbase, and 2025 saw him embark on a national tour. His career trajectory was abruptly disrupted by the emergence of one of the most disturbing criminal investigations in recent memory.
Discovery of the Teenager’s Remains
On September 8, 2025, a grim discovery was made at a tow yard in the Hollywood Hills area of Los Angeles County. A black Tesla registered to D4vd, which had been reported abandoned weeks earlier, emitted a foul odor. Tow yard personnel alerted police, who obtained a search warrant.
Upon inspection, detectives found two black cadaver bags in the front trunk (often referred to as the frunk) of the vehicle. The first bag contained a decomposed head and torso, while a second bag beneath it held severed arms and legs.
The remains were identified as those of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, who had been reported missing from Lake Elsinore, California months earlier.
What It Means to Be a “Target” in a Grand Jury Investigation
In the U.S. legal system, being named a target of a grand jury investigation is significant. A target is someone whom prosecutors believe may have committed a crime and against whom they may seek an indictment.
In this case, unsealed subpoenas and court filings indicate that the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office is seeking testimony and evidence in relation to a homicide investigation that lists D4vd as the potential perpetrator of one count of murder.
It is crucial, however, to understand that:
D4vd has not been formally charged or arrested.
Grand jury proceedings remain largely confidential until charges are returned.
The investigation is ongoing as of the latest reporting.
Grand Jury Subpoenas and Legal Developments
The grand jury began hearing evidence months ago, with prosecutors presenting material that could support potential charges. Subpoenas have been issued to several of D4vd’s relatives—specifically his parents and brother—requiring them to testify before the grand jury in Los Angeles. These family members reside in Texas, and their legal representatives have challenged the subpoenas, arguing they were improperly issued.
Despite legal opposition, a judge approved the subpoenas, which signifies the seriousness of the investigation and prosecutors’ intent to gather testimony from people in the singer’s orbit.
There is no confirmed date for indictment or charge filing, and authorities have not publicly disclosed the prosecution’s expected timeline.
Timeline of Key Events
Here is a clear sequence of what has unfolded so far:
April 2024 – Celeste Rivas Hernandez is first reported missing from Lake Elsinore, California.
Late July 2025 – The Tesla registered to D4vd is last seen parked on a Hollywood street.
September 8, 2025 – The Tesla, impounded at a tow yard, draws police attention for a foul odor; the teenager’s body is discovered.
November 2025 – Authorities begin presenting evidence to a grand jury.
January 15, 2026 – Subpoenas are issued to D4vd’s relatives.
Late February 2026 – Court documents confirming D4vd as a grand jury target are unsealed and made public.
Possible Charges and Legal Implications
Given that the grand jury is considering evidence of homicide, D4vd could face:
Murder charges if the grand jury returns an indictment.
Accessory or related charges depending on the evidence.
Additional legal action if new forensic material arises.
But as of now:
No indictment has been returned.
No arrest has been made.
It’s also worth noting that the Los Angeles Police Department and prosecutors have kept many forensic details, including the cause and manner of death, sealed from public release, which often occurs in sensitive grand jury matters.
D4vd’s Response and Public Silence
D4vd has not publicly commented on the investigation since the court filings became public. His representatives have not issued official statements in mainstream press coverage.
The singer reportedly canceled scheduled shows on his 2025 world tour following the discovery of the remains and the mounting scrutiny surrounding the case.
Reactions from Fans and Legal Observers
The case has stirred intense debate online and among true crime followers:
Some analysts emphasize that grand juries require strong evidence before returning indictments.
Others speculate on motive, timeline, and legal strategy.
Family members and community voices continue to call for transparency and justice.
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FAQs: D4vd Murder Probe Explained
1. What does it mean that D4vd is a “target” of a grand jury?
Being a target means prosecutors believe the individual may have committed a crime and could seek an indictment, but it does not equate to pending charges or an arrest.
2. Has D4vd been arrested or charged?
No. As of now, there has been no arrest or formal charge filed against D4vd.
3. Who was Celeste Rivas Hernandez?
Celeste was a 14-year-old girl reported missing from Lake Elsinore, California, before her remains were found inside D4vd’s Tesla in September 2025.
4. How were the remains discovered?
A tow yard worker reported a strong odor coming from the impounded Tesla, leading police to issue a warrant and find remains in two cadaver bags in the trunk.
5. What happens next in the investigation?
Prosecutors will continue presenting evidence to the grand jury. If the grand jury finds probable cause, it may return an indictment leading to possible charges.
6. Why has the investigation taken so long?
Grand jury probes, especially in cases with limited forensic clarity, often take months to gather comprehensive evidence suitable for possible indictment.
Conclusion: A High-Profile Case Under Scrutiny
The investigation into the tragic death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez has drawn national attention due to its gruesome nature and the involvement of a well-known music artist. The designation of D4vd as a target in a Los Angeles grand jury murder probe represents a serious step in the legal process but does not equate to guilt. The outcome of this case will depend on the evidence presented and whether prosecutors secure an indictment.
As the probe continues and authorities work to build a case before the grand jury, the public is left following every development in one of the most closely watched criminal investigations of early 2026.
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