US singer D4vd, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, has been arrested in Los Angeles on suspicion of murdering a teenage girl whose remains were discovered in a vehicle linked to his address, marking a major escalation in a case that has drawn national attention since 2024. Authorities confirmed that the 21-year-old was detained by the Los Angeles Police Department and is being held without bail as prosecutors prepare to review potential charges related to the death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, a 14-year-old reported missing last year, The WP Times reports.
The arrest follows months of investigation after the teenager’s decomposed remains were found on 8 September 2025 inside a Tesla Model Y recovered from a Hollywood tow yard, with detectives linking the vehicle to Burke’s residence in Texas and identifying him as a target of a grand jury probe into the suspected murder, according to court filings and law enforcement statements.
What is known about the D4vd arrest and investigation
Police confirmed that Burke was taken into custody on Thursday and remains under investigation for one count of murder, although no formal indictment has yet been issued. His legal team has stated clearly that he denies any involvement in the death and maintains that evidence will demonstrate he was not responsible. Investigators say the case intensified after forensic findings connected the vehicle to Burke’s known addresses, prompting further legal action including subpoenas issued to members of his family. A grand jury began hearing evidence in December, with Thursday’s arrest representing the first major development in several months. Key confirmed facts from the investigation:
- Burke is being held without bail pending review by prosecutors
- The case will be presented to the District Attorney’s office
- A grand jury has been examining evidence since late 2025
- No official cause of death has been released
- Authorities continue to classify the case as an active homicide investigation
Officials have not disclosed the precise timeline of events leading to the girl’s death, and forensic analysis remains ongoing.
Discovery of Celeste Rivas Hernandez and forensic details
The body of Celeste Rivas Hernandez was discovered after workers reported a strong odour coming from an impounded vehicle in a Hollywood tow facility. Court documents state that investigators found decomposed human remains in a bag located in the front compartment of the car. The county medical examiner described the body as “severely decomposed” and has not yet determined the cause of death, indicating that the victim may have been deceased for several weeks prior to discovery. The case has remained partially sealed since November to allow investigators to gather evidence without public interference. A summary of the key forensic elements:
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date of discovery | 8 September 2025 |
| Location | Hollywood tow yard, Los Angeles |
| Condition | Severely decomposed |
| Identification | Confirmed as Celeste Rivas Hernandez |
| Cause of death | Not yet determined |
Investigators also noted identifying features, including clothing, jewellery and a tattoo reading “Shhh…” on the victim’s finger — a marking reported to resemble one on Burke himself, though officials have not confirmed any evidentiary link based on this detail alone.
Timeline: disappearance, investigation and arrest
The case spans more than a year, beginning with the teenager’s disappearance and culminating in Burke’s arrest. Timeline of events:
- April 2024 – Celeste Rivas Hernandez reported missing from Lake Elsinore
- September 2025 – Remains discovered in vehicle linked to Burke
- September 2025 – Police search property connected to the singer
- December 2025 – Grand jury begins hearing evidence
- April 2026 – Burke arrested by LAPD
Family members previously stated that the teenager had left home before, complicating early search efforts. Authorities have not confirmed details of any relationship between the victim and the suspect.
Statements from lawyers and investigators
Lawyers representing David Anthony Burke have issued a detailed denial following his arrest, emphasising that the case remains at a preliminary stage and has not yet reached formal charging. In a statement provided to multiple US outlets, the defence said:
“Actual evidence in this case will show that David Burke did not murder Celeste Rivas Hernandez and he was not the cause of her death,” (defence statement, April 2026, United States).
They further clarified that no grand jury indictment has been returned and that prosecutors have not filed a criminal complaint, stressing that Burke is currently being held “on suspicion” rather than under formal charges. The legal team also indicated that Burke has been cooperating with investigators during earlier stages of the inquiry.
Authorities from the Los Angeles Police Department have taken a more procedural position, confirming that Burke was identified as a “target” in an ongoing grand jury investigation prior to his arrest. Detectives have not publicly outlined specific evidence but have stated that the case file will now be transferred to the District Attorney’s office, where prosecutors will assess whether the available material meets the threshold for filing a murder charge. Officials have also reiterated that key elements of the case — including cause of death, timeline reconstruction and forensic conclusions — remain unresolved, which may influence charging decisions. The next legal step is expected to centre on prosecutorial review rather than immediate court proceedings.
Who is D4vd and what is known about his career
D4vd, the stage name of David Anthony Burke, emerged from online platforms as part of a new wave of digitally native artists who transitioned from gaming content into music production. Initially building an audience through gameplay videos, he began producing tracks independently before achieving rapid breakout success.
His rise accelerated with viral releases such as Romantic Homicide and Here With Me, both of which gained traction on streaming platforms and social media, positioning him within the alternative R&B and indie-pop space. By 2023, he had secured industry recognition with the release of his debut EP Petals To Thorns, followed by inclusion in prominent “emerging artist” lists and support slots on major tours. Career overview:
- 2023 – Debut EP Petals To Thorns released
- 2023 – Featured on industry “young talent” watchlists
- 2023–2024 – Touring support for artists including SZA
- 2025 – First studio album released
- Ongoing – Tens of millions of monthly streams across platforms
Beyond music, Burke collaborated with the video game Fortnite, contributing to branded content and expanding his reach among younger audiences. His digital footprint includes millions of followers across platforms such as TikTok, where early audience growth played a key role in his breakthrough. Following the discovery of the victim’s remains in 2025, Burke stepped back from public activity, cancelling scheduled performances and halting promotional campaigns. Several commercial partnerships were also discontinued as the investigation progressed.
Background of the victim and community impact
Celeste Rivas Hernandez lived in Lake Elsinore, a community located roughly 75 miles from Los Angeles, and was reported missing in April 2024. Family members described her as a close-knit part of the household, highlighting her role as a daughter, sister and friend in public tributes following the identification of her remains.
Local accounts indicate she was well known in her neighbourhood, frequently seen visiting nearby shops and interacting with residents. Her disappearance initially drew limited public attention but gained significant visibility after the circumstances of the discovery became known months later.
The case has since generated sustained online interest, with widespread speculation emerging in the absence of detailed official updates. Law enforcement agencies have repeatedly urged caution, emphasising that unverified claims circulating online do not form part of the evidentiary process.
Investigators have taken the unusual step of sealing elements of the case record, including death documentation, to ensure that forensic findings are assessed without external pressure. Officials have stated that this approach is intended to protect the integrity of the investigation and to allow medical and legal conclusions to be reached based strictly on evidence. The combination of delayed forensic clarity, limited disclosures and the public profile of the suspect has contributed to heightened scrutiny, with the case continuing to develop as prosecutors review whether formal charges will be brought.
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Sources: BBC News, Los Angeles Times, ABC News, NBC News, court documents, LAPD statements