Key Events in the Celeste Rivas Hernandez Case and D4vd’s Arrest
Mysterious Circumstances Surrounding the Death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez
The murder case of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez has left many unanswered questions, as the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner has sealed details regarding her death. Her remains were discovered last year in the trunk of a Tesla that had been impounded, sending shockwaves through her hometown of Lake Elsinore.
Rivas was reported missing two years ago, and her disappearance ultimately led to disturbing revelations when her body was found in a vehicle linked to popular TikTok singer David Burke, known professionally as "D4vd." Burke, 21, was arrested seven months after the remains were uncovered at a Los Angeles tow yard.
As of Sunday, Burke remains in custody without bail, awaiting a court appearance where he may learn if charges will be pursued against him by the District Attorney’s office.
Timeline of Events
- April 2024: Rivas, a seventh grader, was last seen on April 5 while heading to a movie with Burke, whom her family acknowledged she knew.
- August 5, 2025: D4vd commenced his "Withered" tour in Del Mar.
- Late August or Early September 2025: A Tesla Model Y was abandoned and subsequently impounded in a Hollywood Hills neighborhood.
- September 8, 2025: Tow yard employees discovered a strong odor emanating from the Tesla, leading to the horrifying discovery of human remains inside. Police located a decomposed head, torso, and severed limbs, spurring a death investigation.
On the same day, D4vd was performing in Minneapolis as part of his tour.
September 9, 2025: It was confirmed that the Tesla was registered to D4vd, and his representatives stated he was cooperating with law enforcement.
September 16, 2025: Law enforcement identified the remains as those of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, just a day after what would have been her 15th birthday.
September 17, 2025: Investigators conducted a search of a rental property in Hollywood Hills linked to D4vd, looking for evidence related to the case.
September 19, 2025: Following the ongoing investigation, the singer canceled the remainder of his U.S. tour dates.
September 21, 2025: A vigil was held in Lake Elsinore to honor Rivas and support her family. Local community members expressed their desire for justice.
November 18, 2025: Authorities named D4vd a suspect, revealing he had not been fully cooperative as had previously been claimed, and indicating that investigators believed he had assistance in the body’s dismemberment and disposal.
November 21, 2025: Information regarding the specifics of Rivas’ death was sealed by a court order, with the Medical Examiner’s office stating that details about the cause and manner of death would remain confidential.
February 2026: Prosecutors sought testimony from D4vd’s family as part of the ongoing investigation, which faced attempts to block their enforcement from a Texas court.
April 16, 2026: D4vd was arrested based on a probable cause warrant but has not yet been charged. He remains in custody, with his legal team asserting his innocence.
Attorneys for Burke declared: “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," insisting that no indictment or criminal complaint has been filed against him.
The court appearance set for Monday will be pivotal in determining the progression of the case.
