Singer and songwriter D4vd, known professionally as David Burke, was arrested on April 16, 2026, in connection with the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose remains were discovered in September 2025 inside the front trunk of a Tesla registered to him.
The arrest follows a months-long investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department after the teenager’s decomposed body was found in a vehicle impounded in the Hollywood Hills area. Authorities confirmed the car had been registered to Burke and had remained unattended for over a month before being reported as abandoned.
Celeste Rivas Hernandez was last seen alive in April 2024 and reported missing multiple times in the year prior to her disappearance, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office. Her family said she last contacted them in May 2024 and surveillance footage later indicated she was alive as late as January 2025.
Investigators said the vehicle in which her remains were found was impounded after citizens reported a foul odor coming from the car. Forensic analysis confirmed the identity of the remains through dental records and DNA testing, linking them to the missing teenager from Lake Elsinore, California.
Burke, a 21-year-old artist from Los Angeles, gained prominence through social media platforms like TikTok and is known for songs such as “Romantic Homicide” and “Here With Me.” His stage name, D4vd, is derived from his first name, David, and has been used consistently across his music releases and online presence since 2021.
Following the discovery of the body in September 2025, investigators recovered digital evidence and witness statements suggesting a relationship between Burke and the teenager. Rivas’s mother stated that her daughter had referred to a boyfriend named “David,” and matching tattoos were observed on both individuals in photographs that surfaced during the investigation.
The case has drawn attention due to the circumstances surrounding the vehicle’s storage and the timeline of events. The Tesla was found in a tow yard after being parked in a residential area of the Hollywood Hills for over 30 days, prompting concerns from local residents about its prolonged presence.
Law enforcement officials emphasized that the arrest was based on probable cause developed through forensic analysis, digital trails, and witness cooperation. They confirmed the case would be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for formal charging consideration.
As of April 17, 2026, Burke remains in custody without bail while awaiting further legal proceedings. No indictment has been issued at this stage, and the investigation continues as authorities gather additional evidence related to the incident.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office and the Los Angeles Police Department have not released further details about potential co-defendants or additional forensic findings, citing the ongoing nature of the homicide investigation.
Friends and followers of the artist have expressed shock on social media, with many noting the contrast between his public persona as a musician exploring themes of love and loss and the gravity of the allegations against him.
Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s family has declined public comment beyond confirming her identity and expressing grief over the loss. Community advocates in Lake Elsinore have called for increased support for at-risk youth and better coordination between agencies handling missing persons cases.
Legal experts note that if formal charges are filed, the prosecution will need to establish causation and intent beyond a reasonable doubt, relying heavily on forensic and circumstantial evidence given the condition of the remains when discovered.
The next step in the legal process will be a preliminary hearing, which has not yet been scheduled. Updates on the case are expected to arrive from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office once a decision on charges is made.
For official updates on the investigation, members of the public are encouraged to monitor press releases from the Los Angeles Police Department and the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office.
If you have information related to this case, you may contact the LAPD’s homicide division anonymously through their tip line or via the department’s official website.
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