It’s been a heavy few months for fans of the "Romantic Homicide" singer. Honestly, the irony of that song title hasn't been lost on anyone following the news. If you’ve been scrolling through TikTok or X lately, you’ve probably seen the headlines swirling around David Anthony Burke, better known as d4vd. The big question everyone is asking is straightforward but loaded: did d4vd get charged?
The short answer is: No, as of January 2026, d4vd has not been formally charged with a crime. But that doesn't mean he's in the clear. Far from it. We are currently in the middle of a massive legal waiting game. There is a grand jury in Los Angeles that has been listening to evidence since late 2025, and their decision could change everything for the 20-year-old artist any day now.
The Grim Discovery in the Hollywood Hills
To understand why people are even talking about indictments, you have to go back to September 8, 2025. That was the day the world shifted for d4vd. A Tesla registered in his name was sitting in a Hollywood tow yard after being reported abandoned on a public street. Employees noticed a horrific smell.
When the police opened the front trunk (the "frunk"), they found a body.
💡 You might also like: Net Worth of Sarah Ferguson: What Most People Get Wrong
It wasn't just a body; it was 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. She had been missing from Lake Elsinore since April 2024. The remains were badly decomposed and, according to various reports from People and TMZ, partially dismembered.
It’s the stuff of nightmares. Imagine being a fan and waking up to news that your favorite lo-fi artist's car was used as a tomb for a missing middle schooler. The internet went into a frenzy.
Why the Delay? The Science of the Case
You might wonder why, if the body was in his car, he hasn't been handcuffed yet.
Law is complicated.
👉 See also: James Charles Womp Womp Womp: What Most People Get Wrong
Prosecutors like Beth Silverman are reportedly pushing for a murder charge, but they have a massive hurdle: the cause of death. Because Celeste had been dead for so long before she was found, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner initially listed the cause of death as "deferred."
If the medical examiner can't prove how she died—whether it was an accident, an overdose, or an intentional act—it makes a murder charge incredibly difficult to stick.
Right now, the LAPD has a "security hold" on the case file. They aren't letting any details out. This usually happens when detectives are worried that releasing info will tip off suspects or mess up a grand jury proceeding.
The Items Found at the House
During a raid on a Hollywood Hills rental property where d4vd was staying, investigators reportedly found some pretty disturbing items.
📖 Related: Tracy Reiner Net Worth: Why the 90s Star Still Matters in 2026
- A chainsaw (still in its protective sheath).
- A burn cage incinerator.
- Electronic materials, including a computer.
Private investigator Steve Fischer noted that these items were basically brand new. He suggested that maybe there was a plan to dispose of the body more permanently that just... stopped.
Did d4vd Get Charged with Anything Else?
People keep looking for an arrest record. As of today, David Burke is a free man, though his life is essentially on pause. He was on his "Withered World Tour" when the body was discovered. He initially tried to keep performing, but the pressure became too much. Interscope Records eventually pulled the plug on his tour dates and postponed his deluxe album release.
There are also rumors about him being "uncooperative." A police source told People magazine that d4vd hasn't been helpful with the investigation. On the flip side, his high-profile lawyer, Blair Berk—who has represented stars like Kanye West and Leonardo DiCaprio—says he’s cooperating fully.
It’s a classic "he said, she said" between the cops and the defense.
The Grand Jury: What Happens Next?
This is the part that matters most right now. A grand jury isn't a trial. It’s a group of people who decide if there’s enough evidence to even have a trial.
- Prosecutors present their best evidence (the Tesla, the DNA, the "Shhh" finger tattoos that Celeste and d4vd allegedly both had).
- Witnesses are called (including record label executives and friends).
- The jury votes on an indictment.
If they vote "yes," d4vd will be charged. If they vote "no," the case might stall indefinitely unless new evidence pops up. Reports from FOX 11 Los Angeles suggest an indictment is "likely" to come down by February 2026.
What Most People Get Wrong
A lot of the "info" on TikTok is just flat-out wrong. People are saying he’s already in jail. He isn't. Others say it’s a total frame-up. We don't know that either.
The most nuanced take? The prosecution is trying to build a circumstantial case. They might not have a video of a crime, but they have a body in his car, a history of him knowing the victim (her brother claims they were dating), and weird tools at his house.
Whether that adds up to murder or just "concealment of a human body" is what the legal system is chewing on right now.
Actionable Steps for Following the Case
If you're trying to keep up with the did d4vd get charged saga without falling for misinformation, here’s how to do it:
- Check the LA County Sheriff’s Inmate Information Center: If he is ever actually arrested, his name (David Anthony Burke) will show up here within hours.
- Follow Credible Crime Reporters: Look for updates from the Los Angeles Times or NewsNation. Avoid "drama" channels that don't cite sources.
- Wait for the Medical Examiner: The moment the "security hold" is lifted on Celeste’s autopsy, the truth about what happened to her will likely come out.
This case is far from over. It’s a tragic story involving a 14-year-old girl who deserved a lot more than to be found in the trunk of a car. Whether d4vd is a suspect or just a victim of bizarre circumstances is something the courts will have to decide soon. For now, the world is just waiting for that grand jury to speak.