The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has taken 21-year-old singer and songwriter David Anthony Burke, professionally known as D4vd, into custody on suspicion of murder. The arrest, which occurred on Thursday, marks a significant development in a high-profile investigation surrounding the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Burke is currently being held without bail as law enforcement prepares to present the case to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for formal filing consideration.
Key Highlights
- Arrest and Charges: David Anthony Burke (D4vd) was arrested Thursday by the LAPD’s Robbery-Homicide Division on suspicion of murder.
- Victim Identification: The investigation concerns 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose body was discovered in a severely decomposed state inside a Tesla registered to Burke in September 2025.
- Legal Stance: Burke’s legal team, including prominent attorneys Blair Berk and Marilyn Bednarski, has publicly declared his innocence, stating they intend to vigorously defend him against the allegations.
- Next Steps: Prosecutors from the Major Crimes Division of the LA County District Attorney’s office are scheduled to review the evidence on Monday to determine if formal charges will be filed.
The Investigation into the Death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez
The arrest of David Anthony Burke is the culmination of a months-long criminal investigation that began following the discovery of Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s remains. The case has drawn significant public attention due to the high profile of the musician and the macabre circumstances surrounding the initial discovery of the victim.
The Discovery and Timeline
In September 2025, authorities were alerted to a vehicle at a Hollywood tow yard after reports of a foul odor emanating from an abandoned Tesla. The vehicle was confirmed to be registered in the name of David Anthony Burke. Upon investigation, detectives discovered the remains of a teenager later identified as Celeste Rivas Hernandez. According to reports cited in court documents and police statements, the victim had been reported missing in 2024 from Lake Elsinore. The discovery of the body, which was in a state of severe decomposition, prompted a massive, albeit initially covert, investigation by the LAPD’s Robbery-Homicide Division.
The Grand Jury and Subpoena Resistance
The investigation into the singer had been shrouded in secrecy for months. Reports indicate that a grand jury had been empaneled to investigate the death. The existence of this probe became public in February 2026, when Burke’s family members—specifically his parents and brother—filed objections in a Texas court to subpoenas demanding their testimony. These filings suggested that the investigation had been targeting the musician well before the Thursday arrest.
The Arrest Operation
The LAPD executed the arrest of Burke on Thursday afternoon, with police releasing footage and social media updates depicting officers from the Robbery-Homicide, Gang, and Narcotics divisions utilizing tactical gear and heavy equipment to secure the residence in the Hollywood Hills. The show of force signaled the seriousness with which the LAPD is approaching the case, as the singer was taken into custody without incident but remains ineligible for bail.
The Legal Battle and Defense Strategy
Following the announcement of the arrest, Burke’s legal team moved quickly to issue a public response, signaling the beginning of what is expected to be a contentious legal battle. The defense, led by Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski, and Regina Peter, has emphasized the lack of an official indictment at this stage of the proceedings.
Disputing the Allegations
In a statement provided to major news outlets, the attorneys were unequivocal: “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 defense is positioning the case as one based on circumstantial evidence surrounding the ownership of the vehicle, rather than direct evidence of involvement in the crime. They have highlighted that there has been no criminal complaint filed and no grand jury indictment returned at this time, describing his current status strictly as detention under suspicion.
The Role of the District Attorney
The focus now shifts to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. The Major Crimes Division is tasked with reviewing the comprehensive file compiled by the LAPD. This review, scheduled for the coming Monday, is the critical juncture where the DA must decide whether the evidence meets the threshold for filing formal murder charges. The decision will set the trajectory for the case, either leading to arraignment and a preliminary hearing or, should they find the evidence insufficient, the possibility of release.
Career Trajectory and Industry Fallout
David Anthony Burke, a Houston-raised artist, rose to prominence rapidly, becoming a streaming phenomenon with hits like “Romantic Homicide.” His ascent in the music industry was marked by collaborations with high-profile artists and a successful touring schedule. The “Withered” tour, which saw him performing across North America, had garnered significant commercial success. However, the shadow of the investigation had already begun to impact his career.
The Impact of the Scandal
Prior to the arrest, the musician had faced mounting pressure as reports of the investigation into his property surfaced. The juxtaposition between his public artistic persona—which often explored dark, thematic elements of death and remembrance in his performances—and the grim reality of the criminal investigation has created a jarring narrative for his fanbase. The industry response has been cautious, with record labels and promoters likely monitoring the legal developments closely. Any association with a murder investigation of this magnitude typically necessitates a pause in operations, and the cancellation of tour dates or promotional activities is a likely outcome if the case proceeds to trial.
Societal Perception and Celebrity Crime
This case highlights the unique scrutiny applied to celebrities when they become subjects of major criminal investigations. The public’s access to real-time updates—from the police social media posts to the lawyer’s press releases—creates a hyper-mediated environment where the court of public opinion often runs parallel to the court of law. For an artist like D4vd, who built his brand on digital native connection, the disconnect between his online presence and the allegations of his personal conduct represents a dramatic fall that will likely be studied as a case of high-stakes celebrity crisis management.
FAQ: People Also Ask
Who is D4vd and why was he arrested?
D4vd, born David Anthony Burke, is a 21-year-old musician known for viral hits. He was arrested on suspicion of the murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose body was discovered in a vehicle registered to him.
What is the current legal status of D4vd?
As of April 17, 2026, he is being held without bail in Los Angeles. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office is expected to review the case on Monday to decide whether to formally file charges.
What has the defense said regarding the allegations?
His legal team has publicly denied the charges, stating that evidence will show he did not murder the victim and was not the cause of her death. They maintain that he has been detained under suspicion and that no formal indictment has been returned.
What was the connection between the victim and the singer?
Details on the personal relationship between the two remain part of the ongoing investigation. The victim, Celeste Rivas Hernandez, had been reported missing since 2024, and her remains were found in September 2025 in a vehicle registered to Burke.
