Rising R&B artist D4vd has been arrested in connection with the killing of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, marking a major development in a case that has drawn widespread national attention.
According to law enforcement officials, the 21-year-old singer—whose real name is David Anthony Burke—was taken into custody by the Los Angeles Police Department on April 16, 2026. He is currently being held without bail as prosecutors review the case for potential formal charges.
Discovery of the Victim
The investigation began after the decomposing remains of Rivas Hernandez were discovered in September 2025 inside a Tesla registered to Burke. The vehicle had been impounded in Los Angeles after being abandoned, with authorities alerted by a strong odor coming from the car.
Officials later confirmed that the victim had been missing since April 2024 from Lake Elsinore, California. Evidence suggests the body had been in the vehicle for an extended period before it was found.
Investigation and Arrest
Burke had previously been identified as a suspect and the focus of a grand jury investigation, with court documents referring to him as a “target” in a potential murder case.
Authorities executed search warrants at properties linked to the singer and seized electronic devices as part of the investigation.
While details about the nature of Burke’s relationship with the victim remain unclear, reports indicate the teen may have been planning to meet him shortly before her disappearance.
Career Fallout
D4vd rose to fame through viral success on platforms like TikTok and gained mainstream recognition with songs such as “Romantic Homicide.” However, following the discovery of the body in 2025, he canceled his tour and faced significant professional setbacks, including lost brand deals and removed music placements.
What Happens Next
The case is expected to be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Major Crimes Division, which will determine whether to file formal murder charges.
As the investigation continues, authorities have not released full details surrounding the circumstances of Rivas Hernandez’s death, and key evidence remains under active investigation.
