The rising music star known as D4vd is now facing the most serious accusation imaginable: murder. After months of investigation, authorities arrested the 21-year-old singer, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, in connection with the death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
Hernandez, just 13 years old when she vanished from her home in Lake Elsinore, California, told her family she was going to the movies in April 2024. That was the last time her family saw her alive. The case grew increasingly grim as weeks turned into months with no sign of the missing teenager.
The breakthrough in the investigation came in September when Hernandez’s remains were discovered inside a Tesla registered to D4vd. The vehicle had been abandoned at a tow yard, where employees noticed a disturbing odor emanating from within. What they found was horrific.
Investigators uncovered a cadaver bag containing a head and torso, alongside a second bag holding additional body parts. Forensic analysis later identified the remains as those of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, though the official cause of death remains undetermined. Authorities initially reported her age as 14 upon identification.
On Thursday, police surrounded D4vd’s Hollywood Hills home. A neighbor reported hearing officers shouting “surrender” through a loudspeaker, ultimately leading to the singer’s arrest in handcuffs. Captain Scot M. Williams of the LAPD’s robbery-homicide division confirmed they had developed sufficient probable cause for the arrest.
“We did the best we can to keep tabs on him,” Captain Williams stated, “but once we developed probable cause to arrest him for murder, then we were on him pretty diligently.” The arrest occurred without bail, signaling the gravity of the charges.
D4vd’s legal team, comprised of Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski, and Regina Peter, has vehemently asserted their client’s innocence. They plan a vigorous defense, stating that evidence will demonstrate he did not cause Hernandez’s death.
The attorneys emphasized that no grand jury indictment has been returned and no formal criminal complaint has been filed, characterizing the detention as based solely on suspicion. They maintain that the evidence will ultimately exonerate their client.
The singer was on tour when Hernandez’s remains were discovered, prompting the cancellation of his remaining performances. At the time, a spokesperson stated D4vd was “fully cooperating with the authorities” as the investigation unfolded.
The case has sent shockwaves through the music industry and beyond, casting a dark shadow over the young artist’s burgeoning career and leaving a community grappling with the tragic loss of a young life.
