Alt-Pop Singer D4vd Arrested in Connection to Teen’s Death, Denies Involvement

D4vd has been arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose decomposed body was discovered seven months ago inside an abandoned Tesla, authorities confirmed Thursday. The 21-year-old Houston-born artist, whose legal name is David Burke, was taken into custody by Los Angeles police homicide detectives. He is currently being held without bail as the investigation continues.
According to police, the vehicle (a 2023 Tesla Model Y registered in Burke’s name) had been towed from a Hollywood Hills neighborhood before the remains were discovered in September, one day after the victim would have turned 15. Investigators reported finding the body inside a cadaver bag in advanced stages of decomposition. Rivas Hernandez had been reported missing in 2024 from Lake Elsinore, California, and was 13 at the time. Authorities list her age as 14 at the time of her death in court documents.
Burke’s legal team, including attorneys Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski and Regina Peter, strongly denied the allegations, stating that evidence will prove he was not responsible for the teen’s death. Prosecutors at the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office are expected to review the case to determine whether formal charges will be filed. Officials emphasized that no indictment or criminal complaint has yet been issued, and the investigation — which previously involved a grand jury probe — remains ongoing.










