Authorities Debunk Viral ‘Romantic Homicide’ Release Date Claim

Lead Social media posts falsely asserted that D4vd’s hit “Romantic Homicide” dropped on September 7 to coincide with the missing teen’s birthday; records confirm the track was released July 20, 2022.

Nut Graf The rumor emerged after human remains of 15-year-old Celeste Rivas were found on September 8 in a Tesla registered to the singer, fueling conspiracy theories that tied the song’s release to her birth date. Music distributors and press agencies have now clarified the actual release date to quell misinformation.

Release Date Clarified

• Industry release logs and digital distributors confirm the single was published through DistroKid on July 20, 2022.
• The music video debuted September 8, 2022, a year before the tragedy, per IMDb data.
• Celeste Rivas’s true birth date remains undisclosed by authorities.

Misinformation Spread

• Viral posts on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram misread the video upload date as coincidence with Rivas’s alleged birthday.
• Fact-checking outlets-including Hindustan Times and Soap Central-have debunked the claim.
• The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office has not released any information on Rivas’s date of birth.

Context of Investigation

• On September 8, 2025, LAPD investigators recovered a decomposed body in a Hollywood tow yard after foul-odor complaints.
• Medical examiners identified the remains as Celeste Rivas on September 16.
• D4vd (David Anthony Burke) is cooperating; no charges or suspect status have been announced.

Public Reaction and Next Steps

• Fans and true-crime forums circulated theories linking the song title to the incident, intensifying scrutiny of the artist.
• Brands such as Crocs and Hollister have suspended marketing featuring D4vd pending further developments.
• Investigators urge the public to rely on verified facts and call for any additional information to aid the ongoing inquiry.