Los Angeles authorities have arrested singer D4vd, whose legal name is David Burke, on suspicion of murdering a 14-year-old girl, Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The arrest follows ongoing investigations into the death of Hernandez, whose decomposed body was discovered in an abandoned Tesla that had been towed from the Hollywood Hills.
### Arrest and Investigation Details
The 21-year-old alt-pop artist, known for his rise to fame through social media platforms, is currently held without bail. The Los Angeles Police Department released a statement confirming Burke’s arrest and indicated that the case would be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for review. A spokesperson for the District Attorney’s Office noted that they are aware of the arrest and will assess the evidence to determine if there are grounds for formal charges.
Burke has been subject to an investigation by a grand jury in Los Angeles County regarding the circumstances surrounding Hernandez’s death. Although details of this investigation were initially kept secret, it came to light in February when Burke’s family filed an objection against subpoenas requiring them to testify.
### Discovery of the Body
Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s body was found in the backseat of the Tesla on September 8, a day after her 15th birthday. She had been reported missing by her family in 2024 when she was a seventh grader living in Lake Elsinore, a community located approximately 70 miles southeast of Los Angeles. Court documents refer to her as being 14 years old at the time of her death.
The vehicle, a 2023 Tesla Model Y, was registered to Burke at a Texas address associated with his family members. According to reports, the Tesla had been left in an upscale Hollywood neighborhood and had not been moved for some time prior to being towed.
Investigators discovered a cadaver bag filled with decomposed remains, which they noted was covered with insects and emitted a strong odor of decay. Upon further examination, they identified that the body parts had been severed, underscoring the grisly nature of the crime. A separate black bag found beneath the first contained additional dismembered remains. The cause of Hernandez’s death has not been disclosed publicly as investigations continue.
### Background of D4vd
D4vd has garnered significant popularity in recent years, especially among Generation Z audiences, due to his unique musical style which blends elements of indie rock, R&B, and lo-fi pop. He initially went viral on TikTok with his track “Romantic Homicide,” which reached number four on Billboard’s Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart. Following this success, he signed with Darkroom and Interscope Records, subsequently releasing his debut EP, “Petals to Thorns,” along with another project titled “The Lost Petals” in 2023.
Prior to the discovery of Hernandez’s body, D4vd was actively promoting his first full-length album, “Withered.” However, following the discovery and subsequent unfolding of events, he canceled several performances, including shows in San Francisco and Los Angeles, as well as a planned European tour that was set to kick off in Norway.
### Public and Legal Reactions
As news of Burke’s arrest spreads, there has been a noticeable absence of public commentary from his management team or legal representation. Multiple requests for comments directed towards an attorney and publicist associated with Burke have not been answered at this time.
The investigation into Hernandez’s death raises numerous questions, not only regarding Burke’s alleged involvement but also about the overall circumstances leading to this tragic event. Law enforcement is advising the public that further details will emerge following a thorough evaluation of the evidence by prosecutors.
While the legal process unfolds, the case continues to attract widespread media attention due to both the nature of the crime and the profile of the individual involved. The outcome of the investigation will likely have significant implications for both Burke’s career and the local community still reeling from this tragedy.
Source: Original Reporting
About The Author
