Warning: This story contains content which some readers may find distressing
Singer D4vd has been arrested and held without bail on suspicion of the murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, who was found in the trunk of his car.
On 8 September 2025, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) responded to a call of a ‘foul smell’ coming from an impounded Tesla at a tow yard in Hollywood.
Tragically, when they investigated, they ‘located possible human remains’ allegedly placed inside a bag and left in the car’s front trunk.
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It was reported that the Tesla belonged to singer D4vd and the body was of Hernandez.
And police have now confirmed that the 21-year-old has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is being held without bail.
Real name David Anthony Burke, he has been the target of a grand jury investigation and has essentially been silent on the case. His lawyers have told LADbible that they will 'vigorously defend' his 'innocence'.
The LAPD said in a statement on X: “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.”
Police said investigators are to present a case to prosecutors at the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office on Monday. The office said its Major Crimes Division will review the case to determine whether there is enough evidence to file charges.
Rivas Hernandez lived about 75 miles away from her body was discovered and had last been reported missing by her family in April 2024.
No cause of death has been announced for the teen and authorities had said for months that they were treating the case as a death investigation.
In November, a judge ordered that her records be sealed to ensure officers received information from the medical examiner before the public.
Officials said Rivas Hernandez might have been dead for ‘several weeks’ before her body was discovered as the medical examiner said the body was ‘severely decomposed’.
Burke’s attorneys Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski and Regina Peter issued the following statement to LADbible: "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."
A timeline of Celeste Rivas Hernandez and the allegations against D4vd
April 2024
Celeste Rivas Hernandez, aged 13, is reported missing by her family from Lake Elsinore, California. It is the third time she is reported missing that year, but tragically she is never seen by her parents again.
25 April 2025
D4vd’s debut album Withered is released. It debuts at No. 13 on the Billboard chart, with 30,000 units sold in the first week. He tells The Hollywood Reporter that 80 percent of the album was made on his phone and he recorded vocal takes in his sister’s closet.
5 August 2025
D4vd begins a world tour, starting with a gig in Del Mar, California.
8 September 2025
Hernandez’s severely decomposed body is found in the front trunk of a Tesla linked to D4vd. D4vd’s representatives say he is cooperating with the investigation.
9 September 2025
D4vd performs as planned at The Fillmore Minneapolis, despite the ongoing investigation around Hernandez’s death.
18 September 2025
Hernandez’s family create a fundraiser and release a statement, which reads: “As many of you know, Celeste Rivas Hernandez has been identified as the body found last week. She was a beloved daughter, sister, cousin, and friend. Her family is heartbroken and devastated by this tragic loss. Any funds you are able to donate are greatly appreciated.” More than £24,000 is raised for them.
19 September 2025
D4vd cancels the rest of his world tour, and the deluxe version of his debut album is not released as planned.
24 November 2025
The Los Angeles medical examiners officer receives a court order preventing any details of Hernandez’s death from being released to the public.
16 April 2026
D4vd is arrested and held without bail.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact GrieveWell on (734) 975-0238, or email [email protected].
Jess Battison