In a breaking development that has sent shockwaves through the music industry, Houston-raised singer-songwriter D4vd, legally named David Anthony Burke, was arrested on Thursday by the Los Angeles Police Department. The 21-year-old artist is currently being held without bail on suspicion of murder in connection with the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose remains were discovered in the singer’s Tesla last year. The arrest marks a major turning point in a high-profile investigation that has loomed over the artist for months, transforming from a mystery surrounding an abandoned vehicle into a criminal proceeding that has captivated national media and his millions of fans worldwide.
LAPD Confirms Custody
According to an official statement released by the LAPD Robbery-Homicide Division, Burke was apprehended in Hollywood on Thursday afternoon. Law enforcement officials confirmed that he is currently detained without bail while the case is prepared for the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office. Prosecutors are expected to review the evidence as early as Monday to determine whether formal charges will be filed. This arrest follows a lengthy, secretive investigation that intensified earlier this year when grand jury documents identified Burke as a ‘target’ in the probe into the teen’s death.
The Discovery and Investigation Timeline
The investigation into the death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez began under harrowing circumstances in September 2025. Following reports of a foul odor emanating from an impounded Tesla in a Hollywood tow yard, detectives discovered the severely decomposed remains of the teenager. The vehicle was registered to Burke, who had been renting a home in the Hollywood Hills at the time. Authorities noted that the teen, who had been reported missing from Lake Elsinore in 2024, appeared to have been deceased for an extended period prior to the discovery.
Following the discovery, the LAPD launched an extensive investigation. In September 2025, detectives served a search warrant at Burke’s residence, seizing various electronics and computers as evidence. Despite the mounting scrutiny, Burke had remained a high-profile figure, balancing his musical career with the growing pressure of the probe. In February 2026, the investigation took a more public turn when court filings revealed that Burke was the subject of a grand jury proceeding, with his family members attempting to contest subpoenas in Texas courts.
Defense Response and Legal Status
In the immediate wake of the arrest, Burke’s legal team, including attorneys Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski, and Regina Peter, issued a firm statement asserting his innocence. ‘There has been no indictment returned by any grand jury in this case and no criminal complaint filed,’ the team stated. ‘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.’
Legal experts emphasize that being arrested on ‘suspicion of’ murder is distinct from being formally charged. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office is now tasked with reviewing the evidentiary file presented by the LAPD to determine the path forward. This decision-making process is critical, as it requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt to initiate a murder trial in California.
Musical Career and Public Persona
David Anthony Burke rose to sudden and stratospheric fame in 2022, primarily driven by his massive success on TikTok. His breakout hit, ‘Romantic Homicide,’ resonated deeply with Generation Z audiences, blending elements of indie rock, R&B, and lo-fi pop. With over a billion streams on Spotify, Burke quickly established himself as a prominent voice in the modern music landscape, collaborating with artists such as Kali Uchis, Stray Kids’ Hyunjin, and 21 Savage. His recent tour for his album ‘Withered’ saw him performing across the United States and Europe, even as the shadow of the investigation loomed. The dark thematic elements of his tour—which at times included a casket and guest book as part of his stage performance—have now become a subject of intense public discourse in light of the criminal allegations.
