D4vd Under Investigation in Death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez
More than five months have passed since the body of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez was discovered in Los Angeles, and while no arrests have been made, new details continue to emerge in the investigation surrounding her death. Musician David Anthony Burke, known professionally as D4vd, has been named a “target” in the ongoing case.
Who is D4vd?
David Burke, performing as D4vd, gained prominence in 2022 with his song “Romantic Homicide,” which has garnered over 202 million views on YouTube. He subsequently opened for SZA’s SOS Tour and has collaborated with artists including Stray Kids, Kali Uchis, and has had his music featured on Amazon Prime’s “Invincible” soundtrack.
Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s Disappearance
Celeste Rivas Hernandez, a 14-year-old from Lake Elsinore, California, had run away from home on multiple occasions prior to her disappearance. According to reports, she last contacted her family in May 2024. Surveillance footage and digital evidence indicated she was alive as recently as September 2024 and January 2025.
Discovery of Remains
On September 8, 2025, Los Angeles police discovered a severely decomposed body inside the trunk of an impounded Tesla registered to D4vd. The remains were found chopped into pieces and wrapped in plastic.
Identification and Family Confirmation
Identifying the body proved tricky due to the state of decomposition. Authorities eventually identified the victim through a tattoo reading “Shhh…” in red ink on her right index finger, matching a similar tattoo in black ink possessed by D4vd. Rivas’s mother confirmed her daughter had a boyfriend named David and remembered her as a beloved family member. A GoFundMe campaign was created to assist with expenses, raising over $24,000 towards a $28,000 goal.
Connections Between D4vd and Rivas
Photographs allegedly showing D4vd and Rivas together surfaced after the discovery of her body. Rivas’s brother stated she went missing after D4vd picked her up in his Tesla. Reports indicated she had been living in a rental property with D4vd after meeting him online. A leaked song from December 2023 allegedly contained references to a “Celeste,” with lyrics suggesting a romantic connection.
Aftermath and Legal Developments
Following the discovery of Rivas’s body, D4vd canceled the remaining dates of his “Withered World Tour.” He also faced the termination of sponsorships with brands like Hollister and Crocs, and a collaboration with Kali Uchis was pulled.
Police raided D4vd’s rental home in Los Angeles after movers removed his belongings. He subsequently transferred the deeds to two of his properties to his mother.
D4vd hired criminal defense attorney Blair Berk, known for representing high-profile clients.
Investigative Grand Jury and Current Status
In November 2025, an investigative grand jury was formed to examine the case. Recent court filings have named D4vd as a “target” in the investigation, suggesting he could face a charge of murder. The investigation remains active as of February 2026, with no criminal charges filed.