Los Angeles police said they recovered female human remains from an impounded vehicle that is registered to US singer D4vd, prompting an active investigation into how the body came to be in the car.
Officers responded on Monday after tow-yard staff reported a "foul odour coming from a vehicle," Los Angeles Police Department officials told the BBC. Detectives later discovered the remains inside an impounded Tesla, which media outlets reported is registered to D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke.
"An investigation is under way," Officer Charles Miller said, and detectives believe the impounded car had likely been at the tow yard for "a couple of days." The Tesla, bearing a Texas licence plate, was towed from the Hollywood Hills after being reported abandoned five days earlier, police said. Detectives had not identified a person of interest as of Tuesday, the LAPD said.
CBS News reported that the vehicle is registered to D4vd. The singer's spokesman told NBC that Burke had been "informed about what's happened, and although he is still out on tour, he is fully co-operating with the authorities." D4vd, 20, performed on Tuesday in Minneapolis, according to concert listings and media reports.
The Los Angeles Times reported that a head and torso were found in a bag inside the Tesla's front trunk. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office said on its website that the remains belonged to a female who was about 5ft 2in and weighed around 70lb (31kg). Officials were unable to determine her age or race but said she had wavy black hair, was wearing a tube top and black leggings, and had a tattoo on her right index finger that read, "Shhh…" The medical examiner will determine cause and manner of death after completing an examination and any necessary testing.
The LAPD declined to confirm details about the car or its registered owner to the BBC. Local television footage obtained by KTLA showed police officers gathered around a black Tesla at the tow yard while investigators examined the vehicle.
D4vd rose to prominence on social media and streaming platforms with viral songs including "Here With Me" and "Romantic Homicide." He has been on a North American tour this year. Authorities said the investigation is ongoing and asked anyone with information to contact the Los Angeles Police Department's detectives.
No arrests or formal suspects have been announced. Officials provided no further timeline for identification of the victim or formal charges as investigators continue forensic work and follow investigative leads.