D4vd Case: Private Investigator Hired by Landlord Amidst Teen's Death Investigation

Discovery of Remains

• 💔 A decomposed body, later identified as 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, was discovered in a Tesla in a Los Angeles tow yard on September 8th.
• 🚗 The Tesla, registered to singer D4vd (David Anthony Burke), had reportedly been abandoned for days, with the body found wrapped in plastic in the front trunk.
• 📅 Celeste, who went missing in April 2024, was reportedly last seen leaving to see a movie on her 15th birthday, the day before her remains were found.
• 🔍 Her official cause of death is deferred pending further testing, but the advanced decomposition suggests she was in the car for an extended period.

D4vd's Connection and Fallout

• 🎶 Rumors circulated linking Celeste to the 20-year-old singer, fueled by Discord chat screenshots and fan speculation, despite the age difference.
• 💍 A tattoo on Celeste's finger reportedly read "D4VD," matching a design seen on the singer's hand.
• 📉 The discovery led to swift consequences for D4vd, including the cancellation of US and European tour dates, a removed Grammy Museum appearance, and paused promotional activities and brand deals.
• ⚖️ D4vd is reportedly cooperating with authorities but has not been charged or named as an official suspect, and has retained a criminal defense attorney.

Landlord Hires Private Investigator

• 🏠 The owner of the Hollywood Hills mansion D4vd was renting, identified as Maldin Trifanovich, has hired a private investigator.
• ❓ Frustrated by a perceived lack of information from the LAPD, the homeowner seeks to uncover details independently, reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses.
• 🤝 The PI's role is to establish a timeline and determine Celeste's presence at the property, with the homeowner stating they are not interfering with the police investigation but seeking answers.

PI's Role and Limitations

• 🕵️ Private investigator T.J. Ward, who worked on the Natalie Holloway case, discusses the potential benefits of a PI in gathering information from witnesses who may be reluctant to speak with law enforcement.
• ⚠️ Ward emphasizes the importance of a PI looking into their own client's background and the need for transparency with law enforcement, though legally not always required to share findings.
• 🚫 PIs cannot authorize search warrants and do not have access to police-held forensic evidence during an active investigation, but can gather information independently.

Swatting Incident and Texas Properties

• 🚨 On September 18th, the same day as the alleged swatting incident at D4vd's parents' home in Texas, property records show D4vd transferred deeds for two Texas homes to a trust under his mother's name.
• 📞 Bodycam footage shows officers responding to a false 911 call reporting gunshots and a possible death at the Texas residence, with the caller's voice appearing distorted, possibly using a voice changer.
• ❓ The motive behind the swatting incident and the significance of the property transfers in Texas remain under investigation, with the possibility of D4vd being targeted or harassed being considered.

Investigation Status

• ❓ Six weeks after the discovery, no arrests have been made, no suspects publicly named, and the exact relationship between D4vd and Celeste, as well as the cause of death, remain unconfirmed by law enforcement.
• 🗣️ The lack of public information from law enforcement is noted as potentially common in complex investigations, with PIs and legal teams navigating information sharing carefully.