Los Angeles Police Department officials say singer D4vd is now considered a suspect in the death of a missing 15-year-old girl whose body was found in the trunk of a seized Tesla in September.
D4vd, 20, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, has not been charged with any crime and has not been arrested in the ongoing investigation.
An LAPD official with direct knowledge of the investigation told NBC Los Angeles that Burke has not been cooperative.
The missing teen, named Celeste Rivas Hernandez, likely died in the spring, and her killer likely helped dismember and dispose of the body, sources added.
A spokesperson for the Romantic Homicide singer issued a statement in September saying Ms Burke had been “informed of what happened” and was “cooperating fully with authorities.”
Rivas' body was found in September in a “severely decomposed” state, stuffed inside a bag in the trunk of a Tesla registered to Burke in Hempstead, Texas.
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The Los Angeles Police Department is currently investigating this incident as a homicide.
The Los Angeles County Coroner's Office told NBC News that the cause and manner of Rivas' death was still “adjourned” Tuesday, indicating it is pending further investigation.
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In September, police raided a home near Los Angeles where Burke's Tesla was abandoned.
Authorities wanted several items, including digital equipment that would provide security records and connect Rivas to the scene.
Los Angeles Police Department said some evidence was recovered from the home and will be analyzed. Authorities also said investigators are following leads.
The Robbery-Homicide Unit announced on September 29 that it is “thoroughly investigating all aspects of this case in order to uncover the truth and seek justice for Celeste Rivas Hernandez and her family.”
Burke's Tesla was initially impounded after being parked on the street in the Hollywood Hills for more than 72 hours. Neighbors told CBS News the Tesla had been abandoned for several weeks.
“It smelled like sewage,” the Hollywood resident told the magazine. “I think the community realized something was wrong and reported the abandoned vehicle.”
Burke was on the North American leg of an international tour when his body was discovered. He subsequently canceled the remaining dates of his U.S. tour while the investigation was ongoing.
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