Alt-Pop Singer D4vd Arrested on Suspicion of Murder Following Discovery of Teen's Body in Tesla

Alt-pop singer D4vd, born David Anthony Burke, was arrested Thursday, April 16, 2026, on suspicion of murder in connection with the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Burke, 21, was taken into custody in Hollywood and is currently being held without bail at the LAPD's 77th Street Station in South Los Angeles. The arrest follows a months-long investigation into the discovery of a teenager's dismembered remains in a vehicle registered to the artist.

The Details

The arrest of David Burke occurred between 4:30 PM and 5:00 PM local time in Hollywood. According to legal officials, the arrest was based on evidence and probable cause, though it does not constitute a formal indictment. No criminal complaint has been filed yet, and no grand jury indictment has been returned. The case is scheduled to be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office on Monday, April 20, 2026, for filing consideration.

The investigation centers on the death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, a seventh grader from Lake Elsinore, Riverside County. Rivas Hernandez had been reported missing by her family in 2024. Her decomposed and dismembered remains were discovered on September 8, 2025, inside the front trunk of a 2023 Tesla Model Y. The vehicle had been abandoned on a Hollywood street and towed to a local impound lot two days prior to the discovery. Police were alerted to the vehicle after noticing a 'foul odor' emanating from the car.

Medical examiners found that the remains were not intact, with the victim's head and torso located in one bag and her arms and legs in another. Rivas Hernandez was wearing black leggings, a tube top, stud earrings, and a yellow metal chain bracelet at the time of death. While the LA County Medical Examiner officially ruled the death a homicide, the specific cause of death remains sealed and has not been publicly released.

Court filings indicate that the Tesla was registered to Burke at a Texas address associated with his family members. An LA County grand jury had previously designated Burke as a 'target' of its investigation. In a related legal move, District Attorney Nathan Hochman filed petitions in Texas to compel the testimony of Burke's parents and brother in Los Angeles.

Burke's legal team, consisting of attorneys Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski, and Regina Peter, issued a statement vehemently denying the allegations. They asserted that evidence will show Burke did not murder Rivas Hernandez and was not the cause of her death, emphasizing that he has only been detained under suspicion. Attorneys for Burke's parents also released a statement saying they stand behind their son '100%.'

Context

David Burke, known professionally as D4vd, rose to international prominence in 2022 after his song 'Romantic Homicide' went viral on TikTok, eventually peaking at number four on Billboard's Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart. The Houston-born artist is signed to Darkroom and Interscope Records and has built a massive following, with nearly 4 million followers on TikTok.

Burke's career trajectory included the release of the EP 'Petals to Thorns' and 'The Lost Petals' in 2023, followed by his major-label debut album 'Withered' in 2025. He further expanded his reach by opening for SZA during the SOS Tour and collaborating on an anthem for Fortnite.

The impact of the criminal investigation was felt in the music industry as early as September 2025. When the body was discovered, Burke was on his 'Withered' world tour. Following the discovery, all remaining U.S. dates in San Francisco and Los Angeles, as well as scheduled European tour dates, were canceled. Additionally, promotion for the deluxe edition of his debut album, which was slated for a September 19 release, was paused.

What's Next

The immediate focus of the legal proceedings will be the presentation of the case to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office on Monday, April 20. This meeting will determine whether formal charges will be filed against Burke and if a criminal complaint will be entered into the record.

Legal observers expect a complex battle regarding the evidence gathered over the last several months. While senior officials have indicated that the grand jury's role in reaching the arrest point was minimal, the testimony of Burke's family members—currently being sought by the DA via Texas petitions—could play a pivotal role in the prosecution's strategy.

As the case moves toward a potential indictment, the music industry and the artist's millions of followers await further disclosures from the Medical Examiner's office, which currently keeps the cause of death sealed.