Singer d4vd Arrested on Suspicion of Murdering Teenager

Singer d4vd Arrested on Suspicion of Murdering Teenager Found in His Tesla

LOS ANGELES — David Anthony Burke, the 21-year-old American singer-songwriter known professionally as d4vd, has been arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with the death of a 14-year-old girl. The arrest follows a harrowing seven-month investigation that began when the victim’s remains were discovered inside a vehicle registered to the artist.

Burke, famous for viral hits such as Romantic Homicide and Here With Me, was taken into custody by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) on Thursday, 16th April. He is currently being held without bail as detectives prepare to present their case to the District Attorney’s office.

The Discovery on Bluebird Avenue

The investigation dates back to 8th September 2025, when a worker at a Hollywood impound lot reported a "foul odour" emanating from a towed 2023 Tesla Model Y. The vehicle had been moved from an upscale neighbourhood in the Hollywood Hills after appearing abandoned for several days.

Upon inspecting the car, officers discovered the severely decomposed and dismembered remains of Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Celeste, who had been reported missing from her hometown of Lake Elsinore in April 2024, would have turned 15 the day before her body was found.

A Secret Probe and Discord Clues

While the arrest was made this week, Burke had been the "target" of a secret grand jury investigation for months. The existence of the probe was only revealed in February 2026, when Burke’s parents and brother filed legal objections in Texas to avoid testifying.

Internet sleuths and detectives have also scrutinised Burke’s official Discord server. Resurfaced chats from 2024 allegedly show users asking Burke about a "missing girl" named Celeste, to which he reportedly did not respond. Digital evidence suggest the pair met online when Celeste was a member of the singer's community.

Timeline of the Celeste Rivas Hernandez Case

‘Vigorous’ Defence of Innocence

Burke’s legal team, led by high-profile attorney Blair Berk, issued a staunch denial of the allegations following the arrest. In a joint statement, his lawyers maintained that the evidence would exonerate the musician.

“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 read. “David has only been detained under suspicion. We will vigorously defend David’s innocence.”

Detectives have noted that the "complex nature" of the body's disposal suggests the involvement of more than one person, though no other arrests have been made at this stage.

Fallout in the Music World

The arrest has sent shockwaves through the alt-pop community. d4vd, who rose to fame via TikTok and recently collaborated with stars like SZA, had already cancelled the remainder of his 2025 Withered world tour when the victim was first identified last autumn.

Lyrics to his breakout track, Romantic Homicide, have faced intense renewed scrutiny online due to their themes of death and violence, though his legal team has warned against conflating artistic expression with criminal intent.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney is expected to announce a formal decision on whether to file charges on Monday, 20th April.