Singer D4vd Arrested on Suspicion of Murder in Teen Girl’s Death
On April 16, 2026, Los Angeles police arrested singer D4vd, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, on suspicion of murdering 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The teenager’s remains were discovered in September 2025 inside the front trunk of Burke’s impounded Tesla. According to the Los Angeles Police Department, Burke was taken into custody without bail and the case will be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office on April 21, 2026, for charging consideration.
Burke’s attorneys have maintained his innocence, stating that the evidence will show he did not cause Celeste’s death. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office confirmed it is aware of the arrest and expects to receive the case presentation for review.
Background on the Case
Celeste Rivas Hernandez was reported missing multiple times in 2024, with her last known contact with family occurring in May 2024. Surveillance footage and digital evidence indicated she was alive in September 2024 and January 2025. Her remains were found on September 8, 2025, in a Tesla registered to Burke. Following the discovery, photographs allegedly showing Burke and Celeste together surfaced, and Celeste’s mother stated her daughter had a boyfriend named “David.” Celeste’s brother told NBCLA that she went missing after Burke picked her up in his Tesla.
Legal Proceedings and Family Response
The family of Celeste Rivas Hernandez plans to produce their first public statement on April 21, 2026, following the district attorney’s press conference. An attorney representing the family said they intend to attend Burke’s arraignment if charges are filed and will participate fully in court proceedings. The family’s attorney emphasized their commitment to ensuring Celeste’s voice is heard and her memory honored throughout the legal process.
Official Statements
Burke’s legal team released a statement asserting: “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. 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. We will vigorously defend David’s innocence.”
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office stated it will review the facts and evidence presented on April 21, 2026, to determine whether sufficient evidence exists to file charges, with an update to follow once a decision is made.
About D4vd
D4vd is an American singer-songwriter best known for his songs “Romantic Homicide” and “Here with Me,” which often explore themes of love, heartbreak, and relationship struggles. In 2025, he released the album Withered and announced a world tour with performances across North America and Europe.
About Celeste Rivas Hernandez
Celeste Abigail Rivas Hernandez was a 14-year-old girl from Lake Elsinore, California, born to parents who immigrated from El Salvador. She was reported missing three times in the final year of her life, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office.