LAPD launches death investigation after grim discovery at North Mansfield Avenue impound lot as 20-year-old artist continues Withered world tour
A decomposing body wrapped in plastic was discovered inside the front trunk of a Tesla registered to rising music star D4vd at a Hollywood tow yard on Monday afternoon, prompting a death investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department.
Officers responded to Hollywood Tow at 1015 North Mansfield Avenue shortly before 12:30 pm after workers reported a foul odour emanating from an impounded vehicle that had been at the lot for several days. The grim discovery has sent shockwaves through the music industry as the 20-year-old singer, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, continues his sold-out world tour.
The 2023 Tesla, bearing Texas number plates, had been towed to the yard approximately five days earlier after being reported abandoned in the Hollywood Hills, according to LAPD officials. The vehicle is registered in Hempstead, Texas, to Burke, who has achieved viral fame with hits including “Romantic Homicide” and “Here With Me,” each amassing over a billion streams on Spotify.
Police Investigation Underway
LAPD Captain Robert Peters confirmed the discovery at a brief press conference, stating: “We were notified this morning, and the car’s been here for a couple of days.” Authorities have not released the identity of the victim or any information about potential suspects.
The human remains were found sealed inside a bag in the vehicle’s front trunk, known as a “frunk” in Tesla models. The advanced state of decomposition has complicated identification efforts, with the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office now working to determine the cause of death and confirm the victim’s identity.
Aerial footage from news helicopters showed yellow police tape surrounding the silver Tesla amongst other vehicles in the impound lot, with forensic investigators working under a white canopy. The vehicle was later towed from the scene for further examination.
Rising Star’s Meteoric Success
D4vd’s journey to stardom began in an unlikely setting: his sister’s walk-in wardrobe in Houston, where he recorded his breakthrough hit “Romantic Homicide” on his iPhone in just 30 minutes. The track, which peaked at number 33 on the Billboard Hot 100, launched the teenager from creating Fortnite gaming videos to becoming one of alternative music’s most promising new artists.
Born in Queens, New York, on 28 March 2005, Burke moved with his family to Houston at age 13. He initially pursued a career in professional gaming as a member of esports organisation Team Limit before his mother suggested creating his own music to avoid copyright strikes on his YouTube gaming montages.
“I wasn’t even trying to be an artist at the beginning,” Burke told Billboard magazine earlier this year, describing how he taught himself music production using the free app BandLab whilst sitting in his sister’s wardrobe with just his iPhone and earbuds.
Tour Continues Despite Discovery
The macabre discovery comes as D4vd is in the midst of his Withered world tour, which kicked off last month. The singer performed in Madison, Wisconsin, on Sunday night and is scheduled to appear at the Varsity Theater in Minneapolis on Tuesday evening, with the tour set to conclude at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles on 20 September.
Industry sources confirm Burke has been actively posting on social media throughout the tour, sharing updates with his 2 million Instagram followers. His representatives at Darkroom/Interscope Records, the label home to Billie Eilish, have not yet responded to requests for comment about the investigation.
“The timing clearly indicates this is not the artist himself,” said a source familiar with the investigation, noting Burke’s continued touring schedule and social media presence. The singer signed with Darkroom and Interscope in September 2022 following the viral success of “Romantic Homicide” on TikTok.
Hollywood Tow’s Official Role
Hollywood Tow Service, which has operated as an Official Police Garage since 1961, serves the City of Los Angeles and West Hollywood. The facility at North Mansfield Avenue regularly handles abandoned and impounded vehicles from across the Hollywood area.
Local resident Anton Mikel, who was at the tow yard to retrieve his own vehicle when police arrived, told reporters: “It’s horrifying, nobody wants this around here.” The discovery has raised concerns amongst residents about security protocols for abandoned vehicles.
The tow yard, located near the bustling Hollywood entertainment district, processes hundreds of vehicles monthly. Workers noticed the distinctive odour on Monday morning, leading to the police callout that unveiled the gruesome discovery.
Musical Legacy and Future
D4vd’s rapid ascent in the music industry has been remarkable. The artist, who describes his genre as simply “d4vd,” has experimented with indie, R&B, hip-hop, and rock influences throughout his brief but impactful career. His debut EP, “Petals to Thorns,” released in May 2023, was followed by “The Lost Petals” in September of the same year.
Beyond his solo success, Burke has collaborated with notable artists including 21 Savage on “Call Me Revenge” and was featured on Holly Humberstone’s “Superbloodmoon.” His song “Feel It” was selected for the animated series “Invincible,” further cementing his crossover appeal.
Music industry analyst Sarah Chen noted: “D4vd represents a new generation of artists who’ve bypassed traditional gatekeepers through social media and streaming platforms. This incident, whilst deeply troubling, appears unrelated to his professional activities.”
Investigation Continues
As detectives from LAPD’s Robbery-Homicide Division continue their investigation, questions remain about how the body ended up in the vehicle and the circumstances surrounding the death. The Texas registration adds another layer of complexity to the case, potentially involving multiple jurisdictions.
Law enforcement sources indicate investigators are reviewing surveillance footage from the Hollywood Hills area where the Tesla was initially abandoned, as well as examining any available Tesla vehicle data that might provide clues about the car’s movements before being towed.
The discovery marks the latest in a series of high-profile cases involving celebrities’ vehicles in Los Angeles this year. However, authorities stress there is currently no evidence linking Burke to any criminal activity, with the investigation focusing on identifying the victim and determining how they came to be in the vehicle.
As the investigation unfolds, the music world watches closely whilst D4vd’s tour continues as scheduled. The young artist, who achieved fame from his bedroom studio, now faces the unwanted spotlight of a criminal investigation involving his property, even as he remains focused on his performances across North America.
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