D4vd Faces Court After Arrest in Connection with Teen Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s Death

Officer’s Statement on D4vd’s Upcoming Court Appearance

David Burke, a singer known by the moniker D4vd, is scheduled for his first court appearance on Monday in relation to the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Her remains were discovered in the trunk of a car registered to him.

Burke, 21, was arrested this past Thursday on suspicion of murder—nearly seven months after Hernandez’s decomposed body was found in his Tesla. He was identified as a suspect in November 2022.

While charges have yet to be filed, the case will be brought before the District Attorney’s office on Monday, with Hernandez’s family expected to attend.

Blair Berk, Burke’s attorney, released a statement asserting her client’s innocence. “Let us be clear — the 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,” the statement reads. “There has been no indictment returned by any grand jury in this case and no criminal complaint filed. David has only been detained under suspicion.”

Hernandez, a 13-year-old seventh grader reported missing in 2024 from the Lake Elsinore area, was found deceased in Burke’s impounded Tesla Model Y on September 8, 2025. The discovery followed reports from tow yard workers of a strong odor emanating from the vehicle.

Upon investigation, police officers uncovered a decomposed head and torso in the trunk. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office determined that some of her limbs had been severed and located a bag containing dismembered body parts.

As of now, the cause and time of death remain undisclosed, and it is unclear if these details have been established, presenting a potential challenge for prosecution. Following the medical examiner’s initial findings, authorities secured a court order in November to prevent the release of additional information, which remains in effect as of Friday.

The situation continues to unfold as Burke prepares to appear in court.