Singer D4vd, whose legal name is David Burke, was arrested on Thursday in connection with the murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, according to multiple law enforcement sources cited by NBC Los Angeles. The arrest follows the discovery of the teenager’s remains in September 2025 inside the front storage compartment of a Tesla registered to the artist, which had been impounded after being reported as abandoned in the Hollywood Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles.
Celeste Rivas Hernandez was reported missing in the spring of 2025 after disappearing from the Lake Elsinore area. Her decomposed body was found on September 8, 2025, during an investigation into the abandoned vehicle, which had drawn concern from local residents due to its prolonged presence on a public street. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s office confirmed the identity of the remains through forensic analysis, though specific details of the examination have not been publicly released.
The Tesla in question was registered to David Burke, known professionally as D4vd, a 21-year-old singer and TikTok personality who gained prominence through songs such as “Romantic Homicide” and “Here With Me.” At the time of the body’s discovery, Burke was reportedly on tour, with performances scheduled in Minneapolis and Kansas City in early September 2025. Law enforcement officials stated that Burke cooperated with investigators after a search warrant was served at his residence in the Hollywood Hills on September 18, 2025, during which electronics and other items were collected for analysis.
According to a timeline detailed by the Los Angeles Times, parking officials first ticketed the Tesla on August 27, 2025, after neighbors reported it appeared abandoned. Following the discovery of the remains, investigators pursued additional leads, including the extradition of a key witness from Montana in February 2026 after he failed to appear for testimony in a Los Angeles County criminal proceeding. Court documents unsealed in February 2026 identified Burke as the “target” of a grand jury investigation into Hernandez’s death, with records indicating that the victim’s arms and legs had been severed from the body.
Burke was taken into custody on April 16, 2026, at a residence in the Hollywood Hills. He is being held on suspicion of murder in connection with Hernandez’s death, though no formal charges have been filed as of the date of arrest. The Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office have not released further details regarding potential charges, bail status, or upcoming court appearances, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.
The case has drawn significant attention due to Burke’s public profile as a rising musician with millions of streams across platforms and a dedicated following on social media. His music, often characterized by themes of love, loss, and emotional turmoil, has been streamed extensively on services such as Spotify and Apple Music. Following the arrest, representatives for Burke have not issued public statements, and his official social media accounts remain inactive.
Community members in Lake Elsinore held a memorial for Celeste Rivas Hernandez on September 21, 2025, shortly after her remains were identified. Friends and family described her as a kind-hearted teenager who enjoyed spending time with loved ones and was looking forward to her upcoming quinceañera. A GoFundMe page established to support her family during the investigation remains active, with updates expressing gratitude for public support while requesting privacy during this tough time.
Legal experts note that the case relies heavily on circumstantial and forensic evidence, including vehicle registration data, timeline analysis, and digital communications recovered from seized devices. The prosecution would require to establish beyond a reasonable doubt that Burke caused Hernandez’s death, a burden that may hinge on DNA evidence, surveillance footage, or testimony from individuals with knowledge of the events leading up to her disappearance.
As of now, no arraignment date has been set for David Burke. The next expected step in the legal process is a preliminary hearing, during which a judge will determine whether sufficient evidence exists to proceed to trial. Such hearings are typically scheduled within weeks of an arrest, though delays can occur due to case complexity, evidence processing, or legal motions filed by either side.
For ongoing updates on this case, members of the public are encouraged to refer to official communications from the Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office. Verified information may also be available through court filings accessible via the Los Angeles County Superior Court’s online portal, though access to certain documents may be restricted due to the minor status of the victim and the ongoing investigation.
This story continues to develop. Readers are invited to share thoughtful reflections and engage in respectful discussion in the comments section below. Please share this article to help others stay informed about important developments in this case.
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