Los Angeles police announced on Thursday that R&B artist D4vd has been apprehended in relation to the murder of a teenage girl. The remains of the girl, which were found in a highly decomposed state within his Tesla, have been identified as belonging to 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
The 21-year-old musician, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, is currently being held without the possibility of bail, as confirmed by city officials.
In September, LAPD detectives were summoned to a towing facility in Hollywood after reports surfaced regarding a strong odor emanating from a vehicle registered to Burke. The Tesla had been towed from the Hollywood Hills, appearing to be abandoned at the time.
Upon investigation, authorities discovered a dismembered body, later identified as Celeste Rivas Hernandez. She had been reported missing in early 2024 and was last seen in Lake Elsinore, located approximately 60 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles.
The Los Angeles County medical examiner’s office concluded that Rivas Hernandez had been deceased in the vehicle for a significant period prior to its discovery.
Police indicated that Burke’s case will be forwarded to the district attorney’s office on Monday for further review and potential charges.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office confirmed the arrest in a statement to the New York Times, noting that the case is expected to be reviewed by the Major Crimes Division. They stated, “Prosecutors will assess the facts and evidence to determine if there is sufficient basis to file charges.”
This arrest follows an ongoing grand jury investigation related to Rivas Hernandez’s death. In September, a representative for Burke informed NBC News that he was “fully cooperating with the authorities.”
During the same month, police executed a search warrant at a residence where Burke had been staying in the Hollywood Hills. According to ABC News, detectives seized a computer along with other items from the property.
Burke’s legal team, consisting of attorneys Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski, and Regina Peter, has asserted his innocence. They stated in a message to the Guardian, “There has been no indictment from any grand jury in this case, nor has any criminal complaint been filed. David remains detained under suspicion. The evidence will ultimately demonstrate that David Burke did not murder Celeste Rivas Hernandez and that he was not responsible for her death.”
Originally from Houston, Burke gained significant recognition in 2022 with a series of viral hits on TikTok, including “Romantic Homicide,” which has recently attracted attention for its lyrical content concerning death.
His rise to fame has allowed him to collaborate with well-known artists such as SZA and Kali Uchis. At the time of Hernandez’s body being found, Burke was on tour, which has since been canceled.
As the investigation into Rivas Hernandez’s death unfolds, online communities have begun to piece together connections between her and Burke. Rivas Hernandez’s brother, Matthew, revealed to NBCLA in September that prior to her disappearance, his sister mentioned heading out to watch a movie with Burke.
Authorities have not provided any information regarding the nature of the relationship between the two individuals.
