TMZ Explores the Arrest of Singer D4vd in Connection with Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s Murder
D4vd Arrested in Connection with Celeste Rivas-Hernandez Murder
LOS ANGELES – David Anthony Burke, a 21-year-old singer known as D4vd, has been arrested by the Los Angeles Police Department in connection with the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas-Hernandez. Burke is currently being held without bail and is set to have his case presented to the District Attorney’s Office on Monday.
The arrest follows an extensive investigation into Rivas-Hernandez’s tragic death, reportedly occurring in 2024. Her dismembered remains were discovered in September in a Tesla owned by Burke, which had been abandoned and subsequently towed from a location in Hollywood Hills.
Burke’s legal team has publicly maintained his innocence, asserting that he was not responsible for Rivas-Hernandez’s death. "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 from his attorneys said. They emphasized the absence of an indictment or formal criminal complaint against him, indicating that he has merely been detained under suspicion.
What We Know
D4vd’s arrest occurred on Thursday around 5 p.m., marking a significant development in the investigation that had lasted several months. Celeste Rivas-Hernandez, who had gone missing in 2024, was ultimately reported found in a severely decomposed state within the trunk of Burke’s Tesla.
TMZ’s Charles Latibeaudiere discussed the circumstances surrounding the case, noting the initial public speculation about Burke’s involvement after Rivas-Hernandez’s remains were found in the vehicle. He pointed out that previous investigations and grand jury proceedings had taken place without resulting in charges until now.
"This highlights potential holes in the evidence, as authorities had previously declared Burke a target but did not proceed to arrest him until more recently," Latibeaudiere said in a conversation on Good Day LA.
The Background
Rivas-Hernandez’s decomposed body was discovered in the front trunk of a 2023 Tesla Model Y on September 8, 2025. The vehicle, which had been towed to a police lot due to a foul odor, contained two separate cadaver bags with parts of her dismembered body. Officers described the condition of the remains as "severely decomposed," complicating the investigation into the cause of death.
Reports indicate that Burke was on tour when the car was impounded. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has yet to release an official cause of death due to ongoing investigations. It remains unclear whether Burke acted alone or if others were involved in the dismemberment.
What’s Next
Authorities plan to present the findings of their investigation to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office on Monday, after which prosecutors will review the evidence to determine if formal charges will be filed against Burke.
As the case continues to unfold, all eyes remain on the legal proceedings that will follow.
