Medical Examiner Officially Rules Teen's Death as Homicide in D4vd Case
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office has delivered a crucial development in the ongoing murder investigation involving alt-pop singer D4vd, officially ruling the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez as a homicide. This determination marks a significant turning point in a case that has spanned over seven months since the discovery of the teenager's remains.
Arrest and Investigation Timeline
The 21-year-old Houston-born singer, whose legal name is David Burke, was arrested in Los Angeles on Thursday on suspicion of murder. Police took him into custody on Friday in connection with the killing of Celeste Rivas Hernandez. His arrest occurred more than seven months after the teen's decomposing remains were discovered in September 2025.
According to TMZ reports citing a high-ranking source within the Los Angeles Police Department, the Medical Examiner initially faced considerable difficulty determining the manner of death due to the advanced decomposition of the body at the time of its discovery. While authorities were unable to determine months ago whether the death was accidental or a homicide, they now believe they have reached a definitive conclusion.
Discovery of Remains and Gruesome Details
Rivas Hernandez's body was discovered on September 8, 2025, in what investigators described as a horrifying scene. According to court documents, officials searching an abandoned Tesla truck located a cadaver bag that was "covered with insects and a strong odor of decay." When detectives partially unzipped the bag, they observed a decomposed head and torso.
The Medical Examiner's Office later determined that the arms and legs had been severed from the body. Investigators recovered a second bag containing additional dismembered body parts. The exact cause of death has not been publicly disclosed by authorities, though the homicide ruling provides crucial context for the ongoing investigation.
Legal Proceedings and Defense Statements
David Burke is currently being held without bail at a Los Angeles detention facility. In a statement provided to AP, Burke's defense attorneys - Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski and Regina Peter - emphasized that their client has not been formally charged with any crime.
"Let us be clear — the actual evidence in this case will show that David Burke did not murder Celeste Rivas Hernandez and he was not the cause of her death," the attorneys stated. "There has been no indictment returned by any grand jury in this case and no criminal complaint filed. David has only been detained under suspicion. We will vigorously defend David's innocence."
Next Steps in the Legal Process
Investigators are expected to present their case to prosecutors at the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office. The Major Crimes Division will review the evidence and determine whether sufficient grounds exist to file formal charges against Burke. This decision will be crucial in determining the legal direction of the case moving forward.
Industry Impact and Career Consequences
Even as the investigation remains ongoing, the case has already impacted D4vd's professional career. TMZ reports that his label, Interscope Records, has removed his page from their official website. D4vd's artist page is no longer visible or listed among the label's other artists, suggesting significant professional consequences regardless of the legal outcome.
The homicide ruling represents a pivotal moment in a case that has captured national attention, blending elements of celebrity culture with a tragic criminal investigation. As authorities continue their work and prosecutors evaluate the evidence, the official determination of homicide provides a clearer framework for understanding the circumstances surrounding Celeste Rivas Hernandez's death.
