The rising music star known as D4vd was taken into custody at his Hollywood Hills home Thursday, accused in a case that has gripped Los Angeles for months.
The arrest stems from the investigation into the disappearance of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, a 13-year-old girl whose remains were discovered last September. The grim find occurred inside a Tesla registered to the 21-year-old singer, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke.
Police surrounded the property, a neighbor reported hearing officers repeatedly shout “surrender” through a loudspeaker, ultimately leading to Burke’s emergence in handcuffs. Authorities had been closely monitoring the singer, waiting for sufficient evidence to secure an arrest warrant.
The abandoned Tesla, found at a local tow yard, initially drew attention when employees noticed a disturbing odor emanating from within. What they discovered was a horrific scene – a body bag containing a severed head and torso, and a second bag holding additional remains.
Hernandez had been missing since April, last seen by her family after going to a movie. The cause of her death remains undetermined, adding another layer of tragedy to the unfolding investigation.
Law enforcement officials confirmed they acted on a probable cause warrant, indicating a significant development in the case. Captain Scot M. Williams of the LAPD’s robbery-homicide division stated they moved “diligently” once sufficient evidence emerged.
Burke is currently being held without bail, facing the charge of murder. His legal team, comprised of Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski, and Regina Peter, has vowed a vigorous defense, proclaiming his innocence.
The attorneys emphasized that no indictment has been returned by a grand jury, nor has a formal criminal complaint been filed. They maintain Burke is being held solely on suspicion and that evidence will ultimately exonerate him.
The case continues to unfold, promising a complex legal battle and leaving a community reeling from the loss of a young life and the shocking allegations against a burgeoning musical talent.
