Body of 14 Year Old Girl Found In Singer D4vd's Car - This Is EVERYTHING We Know So Far
This episode of Rotten Mango examines the case of singer D4vd, who rose from creating Fortnite montages to achieving billions of streams on Spotify. The discovery of a 14-year-old girl's body in a car registered to him has sparked an investigation by the LAPD robbery and homicide division.
The summary covers D4vd's background and musical career, details about the victim Celeste Rivas Hernandez, and the ongoing investigation. It also explores the public's analysis of potential connections between the case and D4vd's music, including his song lyrics, music videos, and social media presence. The discussion includes information about his interactions with fans and the complexities surrounding two individuals named Celeste in the investigation.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Sep 25, 2025 episode of the Rotten Mango
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1-Page Summary
David's Background and Rise To Fame
David's journey began as a Fortnite YouTuber creating gameplay montages. After facing copyright strikes for using copyrighted music, he transitioned to creating his own music, initially producing tracks on his iPhone. His songs "Here with Me" and "Romantic Homicide" gained massive popularity on Spotify, each accumulating over a billion streams. This success led to significant opportunities, including opening for SZA's SOS tour and achieving more than thirty-five million monthly Spotify listeners.
The Discovery of Celeste's Body and the Investigation
A decomposed body was discovered in the trunk of a Tesla registered to David Anthony Burke (known professionally as D4VD) after neighbors reported a foul odor. The victim was identified as 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, who had been reported missing a year earlier. The case is currently under investigation by the LAPD robbery and homicide division, with the manner of death listed as deferred.
Speculation About David's Involvement
Internet sleuths have analyzed David's music and digital presence for potential connections to the case. His song releases, particularly those near Celeste's birthday, have drawn attention. Additionally, David's Discord activity and social media posts, including references to Hello Kitty (which Celeste was wearing when she disappeared), have fueled speculation about his involvement.
David's Interactions With Underage Girls and Evidence
Screenshots from Discord servers and testimonies suggest David had inappropriate interactions with underage fans. The case is complicated by the presence of two individuals named Celeste: the deceased victim and an adult Celeste who has been seen with David at events. Both share similar physical traits and style choices, leading to confusion about David's relationships with either individual.
David's Song Lyrics and Music Videos: Case Connections Analysis
David's music, particularly songs like "Romantic Homicide" and "Rehab," features dark themes and violent imagery that have drawn scrutiny in light of recent events. His alter ego "Itami," often portrayed wearing blood-soaked clothing, appears in videos that depict violent actions. While David claims his lyrics are inspired by fans' stories rather than personal experiences, his music's confessional nature and specific lyrical choices have intensified public speculation about connections to the case.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Actionables
- You can explore the impact of art on public perception by creating a digital collage that combines news headlines, social media snippets, and song lyrics to visually represent how media narratives are formed. For example, take a current event and juxtapose it with various media sources and artistic expressions to see how they influence each other and the story that emerges.
- Develop critical thinking by writing a short story that involves a character similar to David, weaving in themes of public speculation and media influence without directly referencing real events. This exercise can help you understand the complexities of character development and the effects of external perceptions on storytelling.
- Enhance your media literacy by starting a journal where you document your reactions to different types of content over a week, noting how certain themes, like dark imagery in music, affect your mood or opinions. This self-reflection can provide insights into how you consume and are influenced by media, potentially leading to more mindful consumption habits.
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David's Background and Rise To Fame
David’s journey from Fortnite gameplay montages to a successful music career illustrates the unorthodox paths to fame that the digital age can provide.
David's Beginnings as a Fortnite Youtuber and Musician
David Shifted From Fortnite Videos To Music Due to Copyright Issues
David started as a Fortnite YouTuber, making popular montages of his gameplay with background music. However, he faced copyright strikes for using copyrighted music such as Jay-Z in his videos. This led him to create his music, as he promised the Fortnite community to use his songs without the risk of copystrikes.
David's Song Went Viral In Fortnite, Boosting His Music Career
David’s move into music was catalyzed by a combination of external pressure and encouragement from family. After encountering issues with monetization on his Fortnite videos, his mother encouraged him to make his own music, which he began producing on his iPhone. He learned through online research and eventually became proficient at creating music independently.
David's Rapid Rise to Mainstream Success
David's "Here With Me" and "Romantic Homicide" Gained Spotify Popularity
Without initial support from a record label, David gained massive popularity on Spotify with his songs "Here with Me" and "Romantic Homicide," each accumulating over a billion streams. The tremendous success of these tracks caught the attention of record labels, leading to David being flown to Los Angeles for meetings.
David's Abstract Music Approach, Including Phone Recordings, Attracted Fans
David’s innovative approach to music, which sometimes included using phone recordings, resonated with audiences and differentiated him from other mainstream a ...
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David's Background and Rise To Fame
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Fortnite gameplay montages are edited videos showcasing highlights of a player's gameplay in the popular game Fortnite. These montages often feature skilled or entertaining moments, set to music or commentary. They are a common form of content creation within the gaming community, shared on platforms like YouTube and social media to entertain and engage audiences.
- Copyright strikes, also known as copystrikes, are notifications issued by platforms like YouTube to content creators when their uploaded material infringes on copyrighted content. This can include the unauthorized use of music, images, videos, or other protected material. Receiving multiple copyright strikes can lead to penalties such as video takedowns, demonetization, or even account suspension. Content creators often need to navigate copyright laws and restrictions to ensure their work complies with intellectual property rights.
- Monetization on Fortnite videos involves earning money through various means like ad revenue, sponsorships, and partnerships. Content creators on platforms like YouTube can monetize their videos by enabling ads, which generate income based on views and engagement. However, using copyrighted music in videos can lead to copyright strikes, affecting monetization. This situation prompted David to transition to creating his music to avoid copyright issues and continue monetizing his content.
- Record labels are companies that discover, develop, and promote artists' music. They provide resources like recording studios, producers, marketing, and distribution. Signing with a record label can give artists access to a wider audience and industry connections. Labels often handle contracts, royalties, and negotiations on behalf of artists.
- Spotify is a popular music streaming platform where users can listen to a wide range of music online. Artists like David can upload their music to Spotify, allowing listeners worldwide to access and stream their songs. Popularity ...
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The Discovery of Celeste's Body and the Investigation
The case becomes public attention after unreleased details spark debates and theories about the causative events.
The Discovery of a Body in David's Car
There has been a surprising and harrowing discovery in the local neighborhood—an intensely foul odor emanating from a Tesla led authorities to find a decomposed body in the trunk. The vehicle is registered to a well-known musician, David Anthony Burke, popularly known as D4VD or David.
Foul Odor From Tesla Leads To Decomposed Body In Trunk
Neighbors reported the presence of David's Tesla in the area for approximately three weeks and confirmed that the car hadn't moved for the last 72 hours, which led to the decision to have it towed. This intervention ultimately led to the gruesome discovery.
Body Described As Head and Torso, Sparking Dismemberment Speculation
Despite there being no direct mention in the data provided to me, some reports suggest that the remains found were just a head and torso, which has sparked speculation online. Debates ensued regarding whether the body was dismembered or simply decomposed to such an extent that it was in pieces.
Identification of Victim as 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez
The body has been identified as that of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, who was previously reported missing.
Celeste Reported Missing a Year Earlier, Family Searching
Celeste had a record of previous missing person reports, with the most recent on April 5, 2024. Her mother told TMZ that Celeste had been missing for more than a year. Despite some news outlets listing her as 15, Emmy reports confirmed her age to be 14, as she had not reached her 15th birthday since she was born on September 7th.
Discovery of Celes ...
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The Discovery of Celeste's Body and the Investigation
Additional Materials
Actionables
- You can enhance your personal safety by regularly checking your vehicle for any signs of tampering or unusual smells. This habit can help you detect issues early, similar to how the foul odor led to the discovery in the trunk. For example, make it a routine to do a quick visual inspection of your car each time you use it, and if you notice anything out of the ordinary, investigate further or seek professional help.
- Consider supporting families affected by tragedy by donating to crowdfunding campaigns set up to assist with their needs. While contributing to a GoFundMe page like Celeste's family's is one way, you can also look for local families in your community who might be facing similar challenges and offer support through donations or sharing their campaigns on social media to raise awareness.
- Engage in community awareness by learning about and sha ...
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Speculation About David's Involvement
The internet is filled with speculation regarding David's potential involvement in a case, largely due to the thematic content of his music and his digital footprint.
Connections Between David's Music and the Case
David's Lyrics and Videos Analyzed For Case References, Sparking Theories of Confession or Involvement Hints
Analyzing David's music reveals a recurring theme of death, with strange messages and imagery that have led to theories about his involvement in the case. The internet has dissected song lyrics and music videos in connection to the case, suggesting that David might be hinting at his relationship with Celeste or even confessed to something more sinister. Stephanie Soo points out that one of his popular songs, "Here With Me," premiered on the birthday of a girl named Celeste, who resembled the love interest in the video. Theories have been formed around the timing of David's song releases, especially those near significant dates related to Celeste.
David's Song Releases Near Celeste's Birthday Fueled Speculation
One such instance is the release of David's music video on or just after Celeste's birthday, which has attracted suspicion due to its content showing his alter ego, Itami, engaging in violent and self-destructive acts towards a girl resembling Celeste. Additionally, comments on David's music videos have focused on darker lyrics, viewing them in the context of possibly telling Celeste’s story or waiting for her to be of age.
The Role of David's Digital Footprint
Analyzing David's Discord: Connections to Celeste
David's activity on Discord has been thoroughly scrutinized. Screenshots from these chats indicate connections to Celeste, with discussions about expecting a child speculated to be related to her. Furthermore, David's aliases appear to be mentioned in chats tied to specific dates close to when Celeste disappeared. Despite these findings, the Discord and Twitch staff team of David's community clarified that they were not aware of Celeste's ...
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Speculation About David's Involvement
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The thematic content of an artist's music is not reliable evidence of their involvement in a crime; it is a form of artistic expression that often uses metaphor and storytelling.
- Coincidences in timing, such as the release of songs near significant dates, are not uncommon in the music industry and do not necessarily indicate a connection to real-life events.
- Public interpretation of song lyrics is highly subjective and can lead to misrepresentation of the artist's intended message.
- Online behavior and symbolism, such as the use of Hello Kitty, can be coincidental and are not definitive proof of a connection to a case.
- Discord and other social media conversations can be taken out of context, and without corroborating evidence, they do not constitute a reliable link to criminal activity.
- The lack of concrete evidence suggests ...
Actionables
- You can enhance your critical thinking by analyzing song lyrics for hidden meanings. Start by choosing a song with complex lyrics, listen to it multiple times, and write down any phrases or words that seem to carry a deeper significance. Discuss your findings with friends or online forums to compare interpretations and develop a more nuanced understanding of the content.
- Develop your observational skills by creating a timeline of events based on social media posts from a public figure. Choose a celebrity or influencer and track their posts over a significant period. Note any patterns or coincidences, such as posts that align with important dates or events, and consider what these might imply about the person's life or intentions.
- Sharpen your online research abilit ...
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David's Interactions With Underage Girls and Evidence
Public concern rises as evidence and testimonies regarding David's interactions with underage fans surface, while the "two Celeste" phenomenon adds complexity to the case.
Allegations of David's Inappropriate Relationships With Underage Fans
Alleged Dms and Discord Suggest David's Involvement With Underage Girls
Screenshots from a Discord server indicate connections between David and the underage Celeste, raising questions about his interactions with minors. David allegedly even followed Celeste's brother on Instagram and met him once. Although Celeste's brother went to the police, no action was taken due to insufficient evidence. Conversations on Discord and DMs mention a group of individuals who knew about David's situation but remained silent. Further Discord discussions include allegations of David talking to minors, and he even threatened to sue someone for defamation related to these rumors. A deleted Discord user, suspected to be connected to David, posted a picture of a ring and a finger tattoo inscribed with "David" in red ink. Additionally, Discord moderators attempted to remove messages and images related to these concerns.
Testimony From Underage Fans About David's Inappropriate Interactions
Allegations against David describe flirtatious DMs to underage girls, with one DM expressing his excitement when a girl mentions attending his concert. A TikTok post by David reveals comments accusing him of involvement with a 13-year-old girl, and a livestream features a girl resembling Celeste who appears quite young. Furthermore, Celeste allegedly spoke about David's intent to marry her when she turned 18, highlighting potential manipulative behavior. Co-hosts mention a claim of receiving text messages from David that tackle the complexities of a minor relationship. More underage girls have taken to Reddit to allege receiving flirtatious DMs from David, supporting claims that his social media behavior skews towards teenage girls.
The Mysterious "two Celeste" Phenomenon
Adult Celeste's Discovery Linked With David, Sparking Relationship Speculation
The discovery of an adult Celeste in David’s vicinity has stirred speculations of a relationship as a possible deflection from allegations concerning the underage Celeste. This adult Celeste has been seen with David at events, introducing herself b ...
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David's Interactions With Underage Girls and Evidence
Additional Materials
Actionables
- You can enhance your online safety by reviewing and tightening your social media privacy settings to control who can view your posts and contact you, thus reducing the risk of unwanted interactions.
- Go through each social media platform you use and look for privacy-related options, such as who can send you friend requests, who can message you, and who can see your followers list. For example, on Instagram, you can set your account to private, so only approved followers can see your posts, and you can remove followers without blocking them to manage who has access to your content.
- Educate yourself on the signs of online grooming and predatory behavior to better protect yourself and others from potential harm.
- Research organizations that specialize in internet safety to learn about common tactics used by predators, such as quickly forming a bond, asking for personal information, or offering gifts. Use this knowledge to recognize red flags in conversations you or your peers may have online. For instance, if someone you've just met online is asking for personal details or trying to isolate you from friends and family, these could be warning signs.
- Create a personal protocol for verifying the a ...
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David's Song Lyrics and Music Videos: Case Connections Analysis
David's music is scrutinized for possible connections to an ongoing case, a situation that highlights the complex intersection between art and reality.
The Dark and Violent Themes in David's Music
Analysis Of Disturbing Lyrics and Imagery in Songs "Romantic Homicide" and "Rehab"
David's song "Romantic Homicide" features deeply disturbing lyrics and imagery that have caused speculation in light of recent events. Phrases such as "In the back of my mind, you died and I didn't even cry" and "In the back of my mind, I killed you and I didn't even regret it," coupled with the depiction of David dropping a suitcase filled with bloodied knives and roses, have fueled theories about connections to a real-life case. In the music video, David, donning a blindfold, lies on the cement in the rain, approaching train tracks where he encounters the ghost of a girl in a wedding dress, later seen lying on a bloodied mattress. These elements have led to intense scrutiny and speculation due to their violent nature.
The video for "Rehab," released on a significant date related to the case participant Celeste, incorporates similarly controversial themes, adding to the suspicions around David's artistic expressions.
David's "Itami" Alter Ego Recurrence and Blood-Death Symbolism in Videos Scrutinized
David’s alter ego "Itami" is frequently featured in his music videos, often wearing a blood-soaked white shirt. This alter ego is part of a narrative where David, as a detective, would solve murders committed by Itami. Itami symbolizes chaos and introduces trauma into David's life, with scenes in the “Romantic Homicide” music video showing violent actions toward a female character, entwining dark themes of death with David's artistry. The recurrence of this alter ego and the bloody symbolism in his videos have come under closer observation due to their possible ties to the case's circumstances.
The Personal Nature of David's Lyrics
David's Claims of Fan-inspired Music Were Suspected In the Case
David has stated that his music is deeply personal, often inspired by his fan's stories, and not always directly related to his own experiences. For instance, a leaked Discord demo supposedly about Celeste Rivas Hernandez expressed raw, intimate emotions, leading to questions from netizens about the line between personal and confessional content in David's lyrics. He has suggested that he writes from observed experiences, creating music that resonates universally, even if it doesn't stem from personal events.
Speculations have been fueled by David's personal and emotional lyrics, which are often interpreted as confessions. His on-stage mentions of "Romantic Homicide" during discussions of illness and altering lyrics, f ...
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David's Song Lyrics and Music Videos: Case Connections Analysis
Additional Materials
Actionables
- You can explore the impact of music on personal emotions by creating a playlist that reflects different periods of your life and noting how each song makes you feel. This can help you understand the connection between music, memory, and emotion, similar to how artists like David use their past to inform their music. For example, choose songs from your childhood, teenage years, and adulthood, and write a journal entry about the memories and feelings each song evokes.
- Develop your own creative alter ego by writing short stories or drawing characters that embody different aspects of your personality or emotions. This can be a therapeutic way to express and explore complex feelings without directly confronting them, much like David's use of "Itami." Start with a character that represents a strong emotion you've felt recently and create a narrative around it.
- Analyze the lyrics of songs that resonate with you to uncover themes and ...
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