D4vd Arrested in Connection with Teen's Death

Fri Apr 17 2026 12:57:53 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

The rising alt-pop singer, known for his viral hit 'Romantic Homicide', is under investigation for the murder of a 14-year-old girl found deceased in his deserted Tesla.

D4vd, a 21-year-old musician, was arrested on suspicion of murder following the discovery of Celeste Rivas Hernandez's decomposed body in his abandoned vehicle. His defense attorneys contend he is innocent, as investigators prepare to present evidence to prosecutors in Los Angeles. This high-profile case is drawing significant media attention, as D4vd had recently gained traction on social media and was on tour before the incident. The investigation reveals alarming details about the condition in which Rivas Hernandez was found, further complicating the ongoing legal proceedings.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Singer D4vd has been arrested on suspicion of killing a 14-year-old girl whose decomposed body was discovered seven months ago inside his seemingly abandoned Tesla, according to law enforcement officials. D4vd, whose legal name is David Burke, is facing serious allegations related to the tragic case of Celeste Rivas Hernandez.

Authorities confirmed that homicide detectives apprehended the 21-year-old rising star on suspicions of murder as investigators move forward with their case. Following the arrest, his defense attorneys expressed their client's innocence, stating, 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 police revealed that they plan to present their findings to prosecutors at the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office. In light of the ongoing investigation, the office acknowledged the arrest and confirmed their Major Crimes Division will assess the evidence to decide if charges should be pursued.

Despite being detained, D4vd's legal representation underscored that no indictment has been formally filed against him, emphasizing his status pending further investigation. They stated, We will vigorously defend David’s innocence.

The body of Celeste Rivas Hernandez was found in a 2023 Tesla Model Y towed from the Hollywood Hills on September 8, just one day after her 15th birthday, highlighting the tragic timeline of her disappearance. Rivas was initially reported missing from her hometown of Lake Elsinore approximately a year prior to the discovery.

Investigative reports indicate alarming details regarding the condition of Rivas's remains, which were found in a cadaver bag that reeked of decay, raising serious questions regarding the circumstances surrounding her death.

Notably, D4vd is an acclaimed musician known for his mix of indie rock and pop, and he had gained significant popularity on platforms like TikTok. Just prior to his arrest, he was on tour promoting his latest album 'Withered', with several performances canceled due to the ongoing investigation.

As the case unfolds, many wait to see how this shocking event will impact D4vd's career and the lives of all involved.