The rising star known as D4vd, a 21-year-old singer from Houston, 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 disappearance of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, a 13-year-old girl last seen in April 2024 after telling her family she was going to the movies. Her remains were tragically discovered in September, inside a vehicle registered to the musician.
Police surrounded the property, a neighbor reported hearing officers repeatedly shout “surrender” through a loudspeaker, ultimately leading to the singer, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, being escorted from his home in handcuffs.
Investigators had been meticulously tracking D4vd since the discovery of Hernandez’s remains, building a case based on mounting evidence. Captain Scot M. Williams of the LAPD’s robbery-homicide division stated they acted swiftly once probable cause for a murder arrest was established.
The grim discovery began when employees at a tow yard reported a disturbing odor emanating from a Tesla left abandoned in their care. Inside, they found the remains of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, initiating a complex and harrowing investigation.
Court documents revealed a chilling detail: investigators recovered two separate bags from the vehicle, one containing a head and torso, the other holding additional body parts. The precise cause of Hernandez’s death remains under investigation.
D4vd is currently being held without bail, awaiting further legal proceedings. His legal team, comprised of Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski, and Regina Peter, has vehemently asserted his innocence, promising a vigorous defense.
The attorneys released a statement emphasizing that evidence will demonstrate D4vd did not murder Celeste Hernandez and was not responsible for her death. They also pointed out that no indictment has been returned by a grand jury, and no formal criminal complaint has been filed.
The case remains fluid, with investigators continuing to gather evidence and piece together the events leading to this tragic outcome. The focus now shifts to the legal arena, where D4vd will have the opportunity to defend himself against these serious allegations.
