Singer D4vd Arrested on Murder Charges in Teen's Death
Los Angeles police announced on Thursday the arrest of singer D4vd, whose real name is David Burke, on suspicion of killing a 14-year-old girl. The 21-year-old Los Angeles resident is accused in the death of Celeste Rivas, whose decomposed body was discovered last year in an apparently abandoned Tesla registered to him.
Details of the Arrest and Investigation
According to a statement from the Los Angeles Police Department's Homicide Division, David Burke has been taken into custody and is being held without bail. The case will be presented to the District Attorney's office on Monday for filing consideration. This development comes more than seven months after authorities first made the gruesome discovery.
The investigation into Celeste Rivas Hernandez's death had been ongoing through an LA County grand jury probe. While officially secret, the existence of this investigation - and D4vd's designation as its target - became public on February 25 when his family members filed an objection in a Texas court to subpoenas demanding their testimony.
Discovery of the Body
The body of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas was found on September 8, 2025, in the trunk of the singer's abandoned vehicle. The Tesla had been towed from the Hollywood Hills and impounded at Hollywood Tow. Officers were called to the lot after reports of a foul odor emanating from the vehicle, leading to the discovery of the decomposing remains.
The car had been registered to David Burke, who performs under the stage name D4vd. Police have not released specific details about the timeline between when the vehicle was abandoned and when the body was discovered, nor have they disclosed potential motives or the exact circumstances surrounding the teen's death.
Legal Proceedings and Family Involvement
The arrest marks a significant development in a case that has remained largely out of public view until recent months. The revelation of the grand jury investigation came through legal filings by Burke's mother, father, and brother, who challenged subpoenas requiring them to testify in the Texas court proceedings related to the case.
As the legal process moves forward, authorities will present their evidence to prosecutors who will determine what formal charges to file against the singer. The case has drawn attention not only because of the celebrity involvement but also due to the disturbing nature of the discovery and the victim's young age.
