Los Angeles police have arrested rising indie-pop singer D4vd, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, on suspicion of murder in connection with the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The 21-year-old artist is being held without bail while authorities prepare to present the case to the District Attorney's office next week.
"Let us be clear - 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," Burke's legal team stated in response to the arrest.
The investigation intensified after Hernandez's remains were discovered on September 8 in a Hollywood tow yard, following reports of a foul odor emanating from a Tesla registered to Burke's Texas address. Court documents reveal that investigators found the teenager's decomposed head and torso in a cadaver bag within the vehicle's front trunk.
Medical examiners have deferred determining the exact cause of death, noting the body was "severely decomposed" and may have been deceased for several weeks before discovery. The case has remained shrouded in mystery, with authorities treating it as a death investigation for months before Thursday's arrest.
Hernandez, who lived approximately 75 miles from where her body was found, had been reported missing by her family in April 2024. The first-generation daughter of Salvadoran immigrants had previously run away from her Lake Elsinore home. Neighbors remembered her as a regular visitor to a local corner store, where she frequently purchased candy and soda.
Intriguing connections between the victim and the singer have fueled public speculation. When discovered, Hernandez wore jewelry including a yellow metal stud earring and chain bracelet, and bore a tattoo reading "Shhh…" on her index finger—a marking nearly identical to one on Burke's own finger.
The case took a significant turn in December when a grand jury began hearing evidence. Recent court filings, obtained during legal proceedings involving Burke's family, confirmed the singer had been identified as a "target" of the investigation and potentially faced one count of murder.
Burke, known for hits like "Here With Me" and "Romantic Homicide," rose to fame through Fortnite gaming videos before transitioning to music. His debut album released in April 2025 garnered millions of streams and followers across platforms. Following Hernandez's discovery, the singer canceled his world tour, retreated from public view, and lost endorsement deals with major brands.
Police previously raided Burke's Hollywood Hills residence, located just blocks from where his Tesla was impounded. The singer's representatives have maintained his cooperation with authorities throughout the investigation, though Burke himself has remained virtually silent on the matter.
As the case moves forward, both the music world and investigative authorities await further developments in this tragic and perplexing story.