Singer D4vd was arrested for murder Thursday in the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, after LAPD officers swooped in on a Hollywood Hills home where the musician was staying. The arrest comes months after the teen’s dismembered body was discovered in the trunk of his abandoned Tesla.
The 21-year-old singer — whose real name is David Burke — was taken into custody by the LAPD’s robbery-homicide division and was being held without bail, police said.
“We came to the home with a probable cause arrest warrant for him,” LAPD Robbery-Homicide Division Commanding Officer Captain Scot M. Williams confirmed to The California Post at the scene.
The Discovery: A Tesla, a Foul Odor, and Dismembered Remains
Rivas’ dismembered body was discovered in September 2025 in the back of a Tesla belonging to D4vd. The vehicle had been impounded, and employees at a tow yard smelled a foul odor coming from it.
According to documents unsealed in a Texas court:
| Discovery Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Trunk of D4vd’s abandoned Tesla |
| Condition | Dismembered body parts in two cadaver bags |
| Bags | Head and torso in one bag; several body parts in second bag |
| Additional details | Insects swarming over the remains |
| Missing person report | Rivas had been reported missing by her family in April 2025 |
Rivas was just 14 years old at the time of her disappearance.
The Arrest: Hollywood Hills Raid
Cops descended on a Hollywood Hills home where D4vd was staying to make the arrest. Captain Williams told The Post that the singer was in the private residence by himself.
“We did the best we can to keep tabs on him, but once we developed probable cause to arrest him for murder, then we were on him pretty diligently,” Captain Williams said.
Shortly after he was taken in, officers were seen outside the Hollywood Hills home — as was the singer’s criminal attorney, Blair Berk.
A grand jury investigation into the case started in February 2026, where D4vd was named as a target. He has not spoken publicly since the discovery of Rivas’ body.
Official Statements
LAPD Release:
“Detectives from Los Angeles Police Department, Robbery-Homicide Division have arrested David Burke, a 21-year-old resident of Los Angeles, for the murder of Celeste Rivas. Burke is being held without bail. The case will be presented to the District Attorney’s office on Monday for filing consideration.”
LA District Attorney’s Office:
“Our office is aware of the arrest of David Anthony Burke by the Los Angeles Police Department. The case is expected to be presented to the Major Crimes Division, at which point prosecutors will review the facts and evidence to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to file charges. At this time, additional information is not available. We will share an update on Monday once a filing decision has been made.”
The Defense: ‘He Did Not Murder Celeste Rivas’
The singer’s attorneys — Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski, and Regina Peter — spoke out following the arrest:
“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 Investigation: Airtight Case?
Authorities told The Post that they considered the public interest in the case as they worked to make the arrest.
“There was a lot of outside pressure for [investigators] to act quickly,” Captain Williams said. “They were able to put that aside and do the tedious, meticulous work that was needed to ensure we had an airtight case once it came time for an arrest.”
Who Is D4vd?
David Burke, known professionally as D4vd (pronounced “David”), is a 21-year-old singer and songwriter who gained popularity on TikTok and streaming platforms. He was born in New York and later moved to Los Angeles.
His music career took off in 2022, and he has since amassed millions of streams. Following the discovery of Rivas’ body in his Tesla, D4vd canceled his remaining tour dates and went silent as online speculation grew about his possible relationship with Rivas — including photos that surfaced of the two together before her disappearance.
The Victims: Celeste Rivas Hernandez
Celeste Rivas was just 14 years old when she was reported missing by her family in April 2025. Her dismembered body was found months later. The case has drawn national attention due to the horrific nature of the crime and the involvement of a popular musician.
Her family has not yet publicly commented on the arrest.
What Happens Next
- DA review: The case will be presented to the LA District Attorney’s office on Monday for filing consideration
- Possible charges: Murder, with potential special circumstances due to the nature of the crime
- Bail status: Burke is being held without bail
- Defense: His attorneys have vowed to “vigorously defend” his innocence
FAQ: D4vd Murder Arrest
Q: Who is D4vd?
A: D4vd (David Burke) is a 21-year-old singer who gained popularity on TikTok and streaming platforms.
Q: What is he accused of?
A: The murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose dismembered body was found in the trunk of his Tesla in September 2025.
Q: When was he arrested?
A: Thursday, April 16, 2026, at a Hollywood Hills home.
Q: Is he being held on bail?
A: No. He is being held without bail.
Q: What did his lawyers say?
A: They said “the actual evidence will show that David Burke did not murder Celeste Rivas” and vowed to “vigorously defend” his innocence.
Q: What happens next?
A: The case will be presented to the LA District Attorney on Monday for a filing decision.
