Los Angeles, September 9, 2025 – Singer-songwriter d4vd (David Anthony Burke), best known for his viral hits “Romantic Homicide” and “Here With Me,” has been thrust into the spotlight in a homicide investigation after a decomposed human body was discovered inside a Tesla registered to him, currently impounded at a Hollywood tow yard. Authorities are investigating the grim discovery, while the 20-year-old musician says he is fully cooperating with law enforcement.
Key Facts and Timeline
- Discovery: Workers at a Hollywood tow yard reported a foul smell emanating from a Tesla registered to d4vd. Upon inspection, authorities found a plastic-wrapped, dismembered human body inside the front trunk of the vehicle. PitchforkThe SunEW.comChron
- Nature of the Find: The body was significantly decomposed and dismembered, potentially delaying identification. PitchforkNew York PostEW.com
- Vehicle Details: The Tesla was impounded in Hollywood and had reportedly been left there for several days before the discovery. It is registered in Hempstead, Texas, to David Anthony Burke. PitchforkThe Times of IndiaChron
- Investigation Status: The Los Angeles Police Department is treating the case as a death investigation. No suspects have been identified, and there is no evidence yet linking d4vd directly to the incident. PitchforkIndiatimesEW.com
- Artist’s Response: A representative confirmed that d4vd has been informed and is cooperating fully with the investigation, despite being on his ongoing “Withered” world tour. EW.comChronIndiatimes
- Tour Continuation: The Minneapolis concert scheduled for September 9 is still planned to go ahead, and the artist remains active on social media. PitchforkEW.comNew York PostPage Six
Background: Who is d4vd?
Born March 28, 2005, in Queens, New York, d4vd (David Anthony Burke) later moved to Houston, Texas. Homeschooled from seventh grade onward, he began creating music to avoid copyright strikes on Fortnite montage videos. His breakthrough came in 2022 when TikTok propelled his singles “Romantic Homicide” and “Here With Me” to viral success. WikipediaD4vd Fandom
In late 2023 and early 2025, he released EPs like Petals to Thorns, The Lost Petals, and ultimately his debut album Withered. Notably, he collaborated with Kali Uchis on the single “Crashing.” His meteoric rise included festival performances at Coachella and touring with SZA. Wikipedia1NBC Chicago
Here’s a video that covers the incident involving d4vd and the decomposed body found in a Tesla registered to him:
Analysis: Implications & Questions Ahead
This shocking incident raises pressing questions:
- Legal Implications: Authorities must determine whether d4vd had any knowledge or involvement in how the body ended up in his car. IndiatimesEW.com
- Career Impact: While the tour is active, sponsors and industry partners may reassess association in light of media attention. Some brands have already taken content featuring d4vd offline. Indiatimes
- Public Reaction: Online speculation ranges from innocence to conspiracy—some suggest he is being framed, while others raise serious allegations. No official charges have been filed. Indiatimes
- Forensic Evolution: As forensic analysis proceeds, expectations grow that investigators may soon release findings on the identity and cause of death. PitchforkNew York Post
Looking Ahead: What’s Next?
- Updates from LAPD: Authorities will likely release identification details and further investigative findings in due course.
- Official Statements: d4vd’s team or legal counsel may issue further clarifications to address public uncertainty and defend his position.
- Tour Risk Assessment: Venues and promoters may assess risks or opt to postpone shows, depending on investigation developments.
- Media Sensitivity: As press scrutiny intensifies, responsible journalism will be essential in balancing transparency with fair reporting.
Final Word
This tragic and unsettling event starkly contrasts the innocent origins of d4vd’s musical rise—from creating tracks to sidestep Fortnite copyright issues to commanding international stages. Now, as law enforcement seeks answers, both his career and reputation are under an unprecedented spotlight. Whether this unfolds as a criminal case, a misunderstanding, or something in between, the world watches—with the young artist’s tour and the hallmarks of his breakout legacy hanging in the balance.
