Singer D4vd Arrested in Connection with the Murder of 14-Year-Old Celeste Rivas Hernandez
Remains of Missing Teen Found in Abandoned Tesla Linked to TikTok Star D4vd
Authorities have confirmed that the remains of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, who disappeared in Lake Elsinore in 2024, were discovered in the front storage area of an abandoned Tesla, registered to the musician and TikTok star D4vd, also known as David Burke. The find occurred on September 8, a day after what would have been Celeste’s 15th birthday.
D4vd, 21, is currently suspected in connection with Celeste’s death, which police believe likely took place in the spring of 2024. Multiple law enforcement sources have reported that the singer was arrested on Thursday as part of a months-long investigation. The Tesla, which had been parked in a Hollywood Hills neighborhood for over a month, was impounded after someone reported it as abandoned.
When tow yard workers detected a strong odor emanating from the vehicle, they alerted authorities, leading officers to uncover the remains within two cadaver bags, according to grand jury documents made public following a Texas court hearing. The documents indicate that her body was not intact.
Celeste went missing on April 5, 2024, in Riverside County, and her identification was confirmed through forensic analysis. Details regarding the circumstances of her disappearance remain unclear.
Family members, who reside in Lake Elsinore, were aware that Celeste had connections to D4vd. As investigations unfolded, a representative for the singer stated he was cooperating with authorities, although sources later indicated he had not been fully transparent.
Burke’s family, residing in Texas, attempted to block grand jury subpoenas for their testimonies earlier this year but were ultimately compelled to appear in Los Angeles. Investigators have suggested that multiple people might have been involved in Celeste’s death and the subsequent disposal of her body.
As the investigation continues, the cause of Celeste’s death remains undetermined, and the LA County Department of Medical Examiner has since removed public information from its website regarding the case.
D4vd, who gained fame through viral hits on TikTok, has 3.8 million followers on the platform and has recently embarked on a world tour following the release of his debut album "Withered" in April 2025. Born in Queens, New York, and raised in Texas, Burke transitioned from gaming videos on YouTube to music creation. His recent success in the music industry has led to signings with major record labels, including Darkroom and Interscope Records.
