d4vd Biography: Age, Real Name, Romantic Homicide, Here With Me, Withered Album, Arrest, Murder Investigation, Net Worth

d4vd (pronounced “David”) is an American singer-songwriter and former viral TikTok sensation known for his emotional indie, alt-R&B, and lo-fi sound. Born David Anthony Burke on March 28, 2005, the 21-year-old rose to fame in 2022 with breakout hits “Romantic Homicide” and “Here With Me,” which together amassed billions of streams and led to a major label deal with Darkroom/Interscope Records. His debut album Withered (2025) and Fortnite anthem “Locked & Loaded” further boosted his profile before his career was halted in September 2025 when the body of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez was discovered in a Tesla registered to him. On April 16, 2026, Burke was arrested on suspicion of murder and named the target of a grand jury investigation. His story blends rapid musical success with a shocking legal case that continues to unfold.

Quick Facts

Early Life & Education

David Anthony Burke was born on March 28, 2005, in Queens, New York City. His family later moved to Houston, Texas, where he was raised in a strict Christian household that primarily listened to gospel music until he was 13. After discovering rap and indie genres via a Fortnite montage video on his school laptop, Burke taught himself music production using free tools like BandLab. Homeschooled after seventh grade, he began creating original tracks to avoid copyright strikes on his YouTube gaming videos—an origin story that directly led to his music career. He has described his early work as a passion project encouraged by his mother.

Career Journey

Viral Beginnings and Breakthrough (2021–2022)

Burke started releasing music in late 2021 while still a teenager. His 2022 singles “Romantic Homicide” and “Here With Me” exploded on TikTok, each surpassing 1.5 billion Spotify streams. The songs’ raw, vulnerable lyrics about heartbreak and introspection resonated with Gen Z audiences, leading to a record deal with Darkroom/Interscope Records while he was still 17.

EPs, Major Label Success, and Debut Album (2023–2025)

He released the EPs Petals to Thorns (2023) and The Lost Petals (2023). His full-length debut studio album Withered dropped in April 2025, debuting at No. 13 on the Billboard 200. Burke embarked on the Withered World Tour, performed at Coachella, opened for SZA, and created the official Fortnite anthem “Locked & Loaded” in September 2025. He also collaborated with gaming brand 100 Thieves and earned BMI Pop Awards.

2025 Investigation and Arrest (September 2025–Present)

In September 2025, the badly decomposed body of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez was found in the trunk of a Tesla registered to Burke. The discovery occurred while he was on tour. His remaining tour dates were canceled, and the deluxe edition of Withered was shelved. On April 16, 2026, Burke was arrested on suspicion of murder and formally named the target of a grand jury homicide investigation. As of April 17, 2026, he remains detained without bail. All major promotional activity has been paused.

Career Highlights & Stats

• Over 1.7 billion streams for “Romantic Homicide” alone
• Debut album Withered (2025)
• Fortnite official anthem
• TikTok-driven virality leading to major-label signing at age 17

Personal Life

d4vd has kept his personal life extremely private. No public information exists about past relationships, marriage, or family details beyond his Christian upbringing. Friends reportedly believed a girl seen with him in 2024–2025 was a 19-year-old college student; authorities later identified her as the underage victim in the ongoing case.

Dating History / Affairs
No confirmed public relationships prior to the 2025 investigation. The homicide case involves alleged connections to Celeste Rivas Hernandez.

Controversies

The central controversy surrounds the September 2025 discovery of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s body in a Tesla registered to Burke. LAPD Robbery-Homicide Division is treating the case as a homicide. Burke was arrested on April 16, 2026, on suspicion of murder and is the named target of a grand jury investigation. Friends of the singer claimed they believed the victim was a college-aged girlfriend. The scandal led to the immediate cancellation of tour dates, shelving of music releases, and brand distancing. Burke has not publicly commented on the charges, and the investigation remains active as of April 17, 2026.

Awards & Achievements

• BMI Pop Awards (multiple wins for songwriting)
• Viral streaming milestones (billions of plays on “Romantic Homicide” and “Here With Me”)
• Coachella performer and SZA tour opener
• Fortnite official music collaborator

Physical Statistics

d4vd stands approximately 5’9″ (175 cm) with a slim build, black hair, and brown eyes. He has maintained a low-key, youthful appearance in public appearances and music videos.

Quotes

“I started making music for my Fortnite montages… this is crazzzzyyyyyy thank u @fortnite.” — reflecting on his origins

(No public statements issued following the April 2026 arrest.)

Favorites

• Game: Fortnite (the catalyst for his music career)
• Creative Process: Writing and recording songs exclusively on his phone

Earnings

Prior to the 2025 investigation, d4vd’s net worth was estimated at $2–3 million (some reports cited up to $3–6 million including a $3 million record deal advance signed at age 17). Income came from streaming royalties, touring, merchandise, and brand partnerships. The canceled tour and paused releases have impacted further earnings. As of April 2026, financial details remain tied to ongoing legal proceedings.

Interesting Facts

• He taught himself music production to avoid copyright strikes on gaming videos.
• Signed a multi-million-dollar record deal while still in high school.
• His music videos and lyrics have been scrutinized for thematic parallels to the 2025 case.
• Grew up listening only to gospel music until age 13.

Did You Know Already?

d4vd began his career making Fortnite montage videos on YouTube and only started writing original songs to dodge copyright claims—directly leading to his breakout hits “Romantic Homicide” and “Here With Me.”

Social Media Links

• Instagram: @d4vddd – 2 million followers (last active posts pre-arrest)
• Official updates: Primarily through music platforms and news outlets following the April 2026 arrest

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is d4vd in 2026?
He is 21 years old, born on March 28, 2005.

What is d4vd’s real name?
David Anthony Burke.

What are d4vd’s biggest songs?
“Romantic Homicide” and “Here With Me,” both with over 1.5 billion streams each.

What happened to d4vd in 2026?
On April 16, 2026, he was arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with the 2025 death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose body was found in a Tesla registered to him. He is the target of a grand jury investigation.

What is d4vd’s net worth?
Estimates prior to the investigation placed it at $2–3 million from music deals, streaming, and tours.

Conclusion

d4vd rose from a homeschooled Fortnite gamer in Houston to a streaming superstar with billions of plays and a major-label career in just a few years. His emotional, self-produced sound connected deeply with fans until the shocking events of September 2025 and his arrest on April 16, 2026, placed his future on hold amid an active murder investigation. The case remains ongoing. If you found this biography informative, feel free to share it with others seeking updates on the artist’s career and current legal situation.