U.S. singer D4vd has been taken into custody on suspicion of being involved in the death of a 14-year-old girl whose decomposed remains were discovered last year inside an apparently abandoned Tesla registered to him and later towed from the Hollywood Hills, as confirmed by the police on Thursday. The 21-year-old alt-pop artist, born in Houston and legally known as David Anthony Burke, is being held without bail, according to the Los Angeles police. Charges will be considered by the District Attorney’s Office based on the case presented by investigators.
In response to the allegations, defense attorneys Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski, and Regina Peter stated via email that the evidence will prove David Burke’s innocence in the death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office acknowledged the arrest and announced that its major crimes division will review the case for potential charges.
The defense team emphasized that no formal charges have been filed against David Burke, who remains a suspect under detention. The investigation into the death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez involved a secret probe by an L.A. County grand jury, which was revealed when D4vd’s family members challenged subpoenas in a Texas court.
Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s body was discovered on September 8, 2025, a day after what would have been her 15th birthday. Reported missing by her family in 2024 from Lake Elsinore, she was identified as a 14-year-old victim in court documents. The investigation revealed the gruesome discovery of her decomposed body parts inside a 2023 Tesla Model Y, leading to further inquiries by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office.
The ongoing case has caused disruptions to D4vd’s music career, prompting cancellations of shows and tours following public scrutiny of his connection to the investigation. Despite continued requests for comments from the Associated Press, representatives for the singer have remained silent on the matter. The autopsy findings and cause of Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s death remain undisclosed as the legal proceedings continue.
