Singer D4vd Arrested for Murder of Celeste Rivas Hernandez

A High-Profile Arrest in Los Angeles

Platinum-selling artist D4vd, born David Anthony Burke, was arrested Thursday on suspicion of murdering 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The arrest comes seven months after Los Angeles police discovered the teenager’s dismembered and severely decomposed remains inside the trunk of the singer’s impounded Tesla.

A source close to the singer’s Hollywood Hills residence reported that Burke was “completely cooperative” during the apprehension. Law enforcement officials confirmed that detectives executed a probable-cause warrant, taking the 21-year-old into custody shortly after 4:30 p.m. Video footage circulating from the California Post shows heavily armed LAPD officers escorting Burke from the premises with his hands restrained.

Legal Defense and Ongoing Investigation

Following the arrest, Burke’s legal team—comprised of attorneys Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski, and Regina Peter—issued a firm statement asserting his innocence. “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 statement read. “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.”

The investigation into the death of Rivas Hernandez has been marked by extreme secrecy. For months, authorities successfully petitioned for a court order to prevent the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner from releasing autopsy findings, a move that the medical examiner’s office publicly opposed, citing a need for transparency. Grand jury proceedings were held in downtown Los Angeles, and it was only after Burke’s family members challenged subpoenas in Texas that sealed documents identifying Burke as the “target” of a murder probe were made public.

The Discovery of the Remains

The grim discovery occurred on September 5, 2025, when Burke’s 2023 Tesla Model Y was towed from the Bird Streets neighborhood of the Hollywood Hills. The tow yard alerted authorities after noticing a foul odor emanating from the vehicle. Upon inspection, detectives found the victim’s head and torso in a black cadaver bag, with her limbs discovered in a second bag beneath it. The medical examiner noted that the body was so severely decomposed that identification was initially difficult, and the cause of death was officially listed as “deferred” at the time.

The Los Angeles District Attorney’s office has confirmed they are aware of the arrest and expect the case to be presented to the Major Crimes Division for filing consideration. As the investigation continues, the music industry has begun to distance itself from the artist. Brands such as Crocs and Hollister have pulled campaign content featuring the musician, and artists like Kali Uchis have taken steps to remove collaborative tracks from streaming platforms.

This article originally appeared on Rolling Stone.