Fortnite star D4vd charged with first-degree murder
Popular music producer David “D4vd” Burke, known for creating music for Fortnite and anime fan communities, has been charged with first-degree murder by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. The 21-year-old musician is accused of killing Celeste Rivas, whose decomposed body was discovered in the trunk of a vehicle reportedly owned by Burke approximately seven months before charges were filed. Burke faces three charges in total, including first-degree murder and the murder of a witness to an investigation.
Burke rose to prominence in the video game music space, beginning his career by producing tracks for video game montages. He gained recognition within gaming and anime communities and claimed to have pioneered the concept of being a “Fortnite artist.” His public image featured animated music videos depicting him as a blindfolded anime character, building a cinematic presence within niche online communities.
The charges, announced by District Attorney Nathan Hochman, represent a significant development in a case that has drawn attention from both gaming communities and broader media outlets. The case highlights a notable fall from grace for a figure who had cultivated a substantial following in the video game music space.