LOS ANGELES (AP) — Singer D4vd, whose legal name is David Burke, was arrested on suspicion of killing 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose decomposed body was discovered in his allegedly abandoned Tesla, officials reported Thursday. As police delve into the case, D4vd's defense team has publicly declared his innocence.
The Los Angeles police stated that homicide detectives took action, arresting the 21-year-old Houston-born alt-pop artist after conducting an investigation into Rivas Hernandez's tragic murder. His defense attorneys emphasized, 'actual evidence in this case will show that David Burke did not murder Celeste Rivas Hernandez.'
D4vd is expected to be presented to authorities at the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office for a review of the evidence to determine if charges should be filed. The defense noted that there has been no formal indictment or criminal complaint as of yet, indicating that he is being held purely on suspicion.
The singer’s connection to the incident intensified when the body of Rivas Hernandez was found inside a Tesla, towed from a Hollywood Hills neighborhood. Authorities revealed she had been reported missing from Lake Elsinore in 2024, a day before her 15th birthday. The investigation further disclosed that the Tesla was registered under D4vd’s name.
Court documents indicated that a cadaver bag was discovered in the vehicle, with reports detailing severely decomposed remains. Investigators are yet to determine the official cause of death, concerning many who were familiar with the case.
D4vd gained substantial popularity within Generation Z, especially after his viral hit 'Romantic Homicide,' which peaked at No. 4 on Billboard’s Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart.
Following the grim discoveries and his subsequent arrest, the singer's scheduled performances, including two North American shows and a planned European tour, have been canceled. The investigation into Rivas Hernandez’s death remains a sensitive topic as authorities piece together the timeline and evidence surrounding this high-profile case.
The Los Angeles police stated that homicide detectives took action, arresting the 21-year-old Houston-born alt-pop artist after conducting an investigation into Rivas Hernandez's tragic murder. His defense attorneys emphasized, 'actual evidence in this case will show that David Burke did not murder Celeste Rivas Hernandez.'
D4vd is expected to be presented to authorities at the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office for a review of the evidence to determine if charges should be filed. The defense noted that there has been no formal indictment or criminal complaint as of yet, indicating that he is being held purely on suspicion.
The singer’s connection to the incident intensified when the body of Rivas Hernandez was found inside a Tesla, towed from a Hollywood Hills neighborhood. Authorities revealed she had been reported missing from Lake Elsinore in 2024, a day before her 15th birthday. The investigation further disclosed that the Tesla was registered under D4vd’s name.
Court documents indicated that a cadaver bag was discovered in the vehicle, with reports detailing severely decomposed remains. Investigators are yet to determine the official cause of death, concerning many who were familiar with the case.
D4vd gained substantial popularity within Generation Z, especially after his viral hit 'Romantic Homicide,' which peaked at No. 4 on Billboard’s Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart.
Following the grim discoveries and his subsequent arrest, the singer's scheduled performances, including two North American shows and a planned European tour, have been canceled. The investigation into Rivas Hernandez’s death remains a sensitive topic as authorities piece together the timeline and evidence surrounding this high-profile case.
