Platinum-selling artist D4vd, born David Anthony Burke, has been arrested on suspicion of murdering 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, seven months after her dismembered and severely decomposed body was discovered in the trunk of his impounded Tesla in the Hollywood Hills.
Los Angeles Police announced Burke's arrest on Thursday, April 16, stating he is being held without bail. A source at Burke’s Hollywood Hills home confirmed to Rolling Stone that the artist was "completely cooperative" during his apprehension.
Detectives obtained a probable-cause warrant, leading to Burke's arrest shortly after 4:30 p.m. The California Post released video footage showing heavily armed LAPD officers leading Burke away in handcuffs.
Burke’s defense lawyers quickly issued a forceful statement, proclaiming his innocence. "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," said lawyers Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski, and Regina Peter. "There has been no indictment returned by any grand jury in this case and no criminal complaint filed. David has only been detained under suspicion. We will vigorously defend David’s innocence."
The grim discovery unfolded on September 5, 2025, when Burke's dented 2023 Tesla Model Y was towed from the affluent Bird Streets neighborhood. The tow yard alerted police to a "foul odor and attracting flies" emanating from the impounded vehicle.
Upon opening the trunk, detectives found Rivas’ decomposed head and torso in a black cadaver bag, covered with insects. A second bag underneath contained her severed arms and legs, according to court documents.
Authorities had maintained a tight lid on the investigation for months, even securing a court order to prevent the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner from releasing Rivas’ autopsy findings. The ME’s office vocally opposed this security hold, citing a lack of transparency.
Burke was out of state on a national tour when his vehicle was impounded. His parents and brother challenged subpoenas in Texas, which eventually led to sealed documents confirming Burke as the "target" of a murder probe.
The District Attorney’s office stated Thursday evening that it was "aware of the arrest" and expects the case to be presented to the Major Crimes Division on Monday for a filing decision.
Celeste Rivas Hernandez was identified by friends and family as a missing teen from Lake Elsinore. Her family had reported her missing in February and April of 2024. Due to severe decomposition, her cause of death was initially listed as "deferred."
Rivas’ mother reportedly told TMZ her daughter had been dating someone named "David" before her death. Additionally, photos shared online by fans show Burke with a girl resembling Celeste, and both Burke and Celeste reportedly shared a similar "Shhh…" tattoo on their right index fingers.
Burke initially continued his Withered tour after the body's discovery, only canceling a Seattle show after Rivas was positively identified. However, fashion brands Crocs and Hollister quickly pulled campaign content featuring D4vd.
"We are aware of this developing story. With respect to the current situation, we have removed campaign content featuring D4vd while the investigation continues," the brands stated. Kali Uchis, who features on Burke's song "Crashing," also clarified she wasn't friends with him and was working to pull their collaboration from streaming services.
Industry Shaken: The Chilling Aftermath for D4vd's Career
The arrest of David Anthony Burke, known as D4vd, on murder charges sends seismic shockwaves through the music industry. An artist who enjoyed a meteoric rise with hits like "Romantic Homicide" and "Here With Me," accumulating billions of streams and a Billboard 200 debut for his album Withered, now faces a monumental legal battle that threatens to completely derail his promising career.
This incident draws a stark parallel to other high-profile cases where artists’ careers have been irrevocably altered by severe criminal allegations, regardless of eventual conviction. The immediate actions of brands like Crocs and Hollister, and collaborators such as Kali Uchis, underscore the rapid and severe reputational damage. The music industry, increasingly conscious of public image and moral clauses, is quick to distance itself, often leading to canceled tours, dropped contracts, and a permanent shadow over an artist's legacy. While Burke’s legal team asserts his innocence, the sheer gravity of the charges and the horrific details surrounding the victim's discovery create a public perception challenge that few artists can overcome.
