Body Found in Tesla Registered to Singer D4vd; LAPD Launches Homicide Probe

A decomposing body was discovered inside a Tesla vehicle registered to 19-year-old singer David Anthony Burke, known professionally as D4vd, in Hollywood, Los Angeles, on September 14, 2025 — a discovery confirmed by the LAPD the following day. The vehicle, impounded after being reported abandoned near Highland Avenue and Hollywood Boulevard on September 13, was being processed as evidence at the Hollywood Division headquarters when forensic teams uncovered the remains. The victim, described as a teenage male, remains unidentified. No connection has been established between Burke and the deceased, and authorities say there’s no evidence he was driving the car at the time of death. The case has exploded into a viral media storm, with over 1.2 million social media posts under #D4vdTeslaCase in just 48 hours.

The Discovery and Immediate Aftermath

The Tesla was towed on September 13 after a passerby noticed it sitting idle for more than 72 hours near the intersection of Highland and Hollywood. Routine impound procedures led to a search of the vehicle on September 14, where investigators found the body in the back seat. According to LAPD’s Scientific Investigation Division, decomposition suggested the person had been dead between 72 and 96 hours — meaning death likely occurred between September 10 and 11. The car’s interior showed signs of forced entry on the passenger-side door, and no personal effects or identification were found on the victim. DNA samples were collected and sent to the county coroner’s office for analysis. The vehicle was sealed as evidence and moved to the LAPD’s evidence storage facility in downtown Los Angeles.

Who Is D4vd? And Why Is Everyone Talking?

David Anthony Burke rose to fame in 2022 with his moody, genre-blending pop tracks that blend elements of R&B, alternative rock, and electronic production. His stage name, D4vd, is derived from his initials — D.A.V.D. — a detail confirmed by The Economic Times in its September 15 report. His music, often introspective and emotionally raw, has cultivated a devoted Gen Z following. But on September 15, his name became synonymous with a grim mystery. His label, Republic Records, issued no statement. But a representative, speaking anonymously to The Economic Times, confirmed: "We are cooperating fully with the LAPD investigation and request privacy for David during this tragic event." Burke himself has not made a public appearance, posted on social media, or given any interview since the body was found. His Instagram, which had 1.8 million followers before September 15, gained nearly 190,000 new followers in two days. His Spotify monthly listeners jumped 327% — a spike that music industry analysts say is unprecedented for a case involving a living artist and a homicide investigation.

The Social Media Firestorm

Within hours of the LAPD’s confirmation, TikTok was flooded with theories. Some claimed Burke was involved in a drug deal gone wrong. Others speculated the victim was a former fan or even a stalker. A video posted by an anonymous user showing the Tesla being towed from Yucca Street went viral, amassing over 8 million views. By September 16, #D4vdTeslaCase was trending in 47 countries. Memes emerged — one showed a Tesla with a caption: "When your Spotify stats go up but your life goes down." Another featured a photo of Burke’s album cover next to a crime scene tape: "The only thing more haunting than his lyrics is this situation." Social media analytics firm BuzzMetrics reported that 68% of the posts were negative or morbidly curious, while only 12% expressed support for Burke. The rest were neutral — asking for facts, sharing resources for victims’ families, or simply saying "this is heartbreaking." The LAPD’s Media Relations Section, led by Assistant Chief Beatrice Goolsby, confirmed they’ve received over 1,200 tips since the announcement. Most were dead ends — false sightings, unrelated missing persons reports, or bots. But one anonymous call led to a possible match: a 17-year-old from Phoenix who went missing on September 9. His family is being contacted.

What Happens Next?

A press conference is scheduled for September 18, 2025, at 10:00 AM Pacific Time at the Police Administration Building, 100 West 1st Street, Los Angeles. Investigators plan to release forensic updates, including possible DNA matches and vehicle telemetry data. If the victim is identified, the investigation could shift from a missing person to a targeted homicide — or remain a cold case if no one comes forward.

Meanwhile, the LAPD’s Hollywood Division, which handles roughly 85,000 calls annually and is commanded by Captain Andrew Neiman, is now juggling this case alongside its 146 other homicides in 2025. The department’s homicide clearance rate for 2024 was 58%. This one? It’s already the most publicized of the year.

Why This Matters Beyond the Headlines

This isn’t just another celebrity scandal. It’s a reflection of how quickly tragedy becomes content. The same algorithm that promotes D4vd’s music now amplifies speculation about his possible involvement — even though police have repeatedly said he’s not a suspect. The line between public interest and exploitation has blurred. Fans who once connected with his lyrics about loneliness now find themselves scrolling through crime scene photos.

And then there’s the quiet reality: an unidentified teenager is dead. His family may still be searching. His name may never be known. The world is obsessed with a Tesla and a pop star — but the victim? He’s still just a body in a car.