Pop singer D4vd is cooperating with Los Angeles police after a decomposing body was found inside the front trunk of his impounded Tesla, authorities said Monday.
Officers with the Los Angeles Police Department made the discovery after they were alerted to a foul odor emanating from the vehicle, which had been in an impound lot for several days. The car is registered to 20-year-old David Anthony Burke, who performs as D4vd, and law enforcement sources told media outlets that the body had been placed in a bag inside the front trunk of the car.
A representative for the singer told NBC Los Angeles that Burke had been informed about the discovery and "is fully cooperating with the authorities" despite being on tour. It remained unclear whether the vehicle had been lent to someone else or had been stolen prior to the discovery, and investigators have not said whether any arrests have been made.
Police said the Tesla, which reportedly bore Texas license plates, had been abandoned in the Hollywood Hills about five days earlier and subsequently towed to an impound lot. Footage obtained by local outlets showed officers around the vehicle and a white tent set up near the scene; the car was later seen being towed from the lot after the discovery.
Burke rose rapidly in the past two years, releasing his debut album, Withered, and scoring hits including "Here with Me" and "Romantic Homicide." He made his Coachella debut in April and has performed internationally; he was scheduled to play in Minneapolis this week as part of a world tour. A representative for Burke said he has been assisting investigators while fulfilling tour commitments.
Law enforcement officials have not released the identity of the person found in the vehicle or provided details about the cause and time of death. The Los Angeles Police Department and the coroner's office are continuing their investigation, and the matter remains under active review.
In recent months Burke has been a frequent presence at high-profile industry events and television appearances, including a performance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and appearances at fashion weeks and fundraisers. He previously toured as an opening act for SZA in 2023.
Authorities asked anyone with information about the abandoned vehicle or the incident to contact the Los Angeles Police Department. No further information about the investigation or potential suspects has been released publicly as of Tuesday morning.