Short version: Los Angeles police found a badly decomposed human body wrapped in a bag inside the front trunk (frunk) of a Tesla that had been impounded at a Hollywood tow yard. The car is registered to 20-year-old singer-songwriter David Anthony Burke, known professionally as D4vd. Authorities are conducting a death investigation; the victim has not been publicly identified and the cause of death has not been released.
What happened — in detail
On Monday, September 8, 2025, Los Angeles Police Department officers responded to a Hollywood tow yard after workers or nearby personnel reported a foul odor coming from an impounded vehicle. When officers inspected the car — a Tesla that had been towed days earlier — they found human remains wrapped in a bag inside the vehicle’s front trunk (commonly called the “frunk”). The remains were substantially decomposed. Investigators described the discovery as a death investigation and said they would rely on the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner to identify the victim and determine cause of death.
How the car is connected to D4vd
Multiple local outlets and police sources reported that the Tesla is registered to David Anthony Burke (D4vd), who is currently on the road for his “Withered” world tour. At the time of reporting, LAPD sources and local TV outlets said the registration lists Burke as the owner, though police statements have focused on the investigation and identification of the remains rather than assigning responsibility. D4vd’s representatives say he has been informed of the matter and is cooperating with investigators.
Confirmed vs. unconfirmed
- Confirmed: Human remains were found in the front trunk of an impounded Tesla in Hollywood; the car was towed to the lot earlier; police responded after reports of a foul odor.
- Reported/At this time unconfirmed by LAPD press statement: Public reporting ties the car’s registration to D4vd (David Anthony Burke) and states he has been informed and is cooperating; investigators have not released the victim’s identity or a cause of death. We are attributing those claims to local news reporting and D4vd’s representatives.
Timeline (quick)
- Several days before Sept. 8: Sources say the Tesla was abandoned on a Los Angeles street and later towed to the Hollywood impound lot.
- Sept. 8, 2025 (midday): Tow-yard staff or passersby reported a strong, foul smell coming from a vehicle; LAPD responded and discovered the remains in the car’s front trunk.
- Sept. 9, 2025 (after reports): Local outlets — including network affiliates and major entertainment press — reported the discovery and noted the vehicle’s registration. Investigators continued forensic work; the Medical Examiner was expected to begin identification and cause-of-death procedures.
Who is D4vd?
D4vd (David Anthony Burke) is a 20-year-old singer-songwriter who rose to prominence on streaming platforms with emotionally driven tracks like “Here With Me” and “Romantic Homicide.” He released his debut album Withered earlier in 2025 and has been performing on a multi-leg world tour. The car linked by registration to his name is one of several vehicles reportedly associated with him; some coverage notes that different people may have had access to these vehicles at different times.
Fan and industry reaction
News of the discovery prompted concern and confusion across social media. Fans expressed shock and called for patience while investigators do their work; others cautioned against rushing to conclusions about responsibility. D4vd’s team, per reports, has said he is cooperating with law enforcement. We recommend readers avoid speculation and rely on official updates.
What to watch for next
- Formal identification of the deceased by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner.
- Any LAPD updates about the cause and manner of death (homicide, accident, natural cause, etc.).
- Statements from D4vd’s representatives or legal counsel if new facts emerge linking people to the vehicle at specific times.
Sources & further reading
Major outlets reporting on the incident (we relied on these for verification):
- ABC News — Decomposing body found in trunk of Tesla registered to singer D4vd.
- Los Angeles Times — LAPD finds decomposing bodies in two vehicles, one in a Tesla linked to singer D4vd.
- People — Dead Body Found in Impounded Tesla Trunk Reportedly Registered to Musician d4vd.
- Pitchfork — Dead Body Found in Impounded Car Registered to D4vd.
- NBC Los Angeles — Singer D4vd cooperating with investigation into body found in impounded Tesla.
