Rising singer D4vd has been arrested in connection with the killing of a 14-year-old girl whose decomposing body was discovered in the trunk of a Tesla last year, according to authorities.
The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed Thursday that the victim, identified as 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, was found deceased and dismembered on September 8, 2025, at an impound lot. The vehicle had been abandoned before being towed, leading to the grim discovery during processing.
The artist, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, is currently being held without bail at a Los Angeles County jail facility. Authorities stated that Burke was taken into custody at a residence in Los Angeles where he had been staying. Initial attempts to locate his booking information were unsuccessful due to processing delays, but officials later confirmed he was formally booked at approximately 10:12 p.m. PST at the 77th Street jail facility.
Law enforcement sources indicated that the arrest was made based on probable cause developed through the investigation, rather than a grand jury indictment. However, a grand jury had reportedly been convened in November 2025 in Los Angeles, with individuals close to Burke said to have testified.
Burke’s legal team attorneys Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski, and Regina Peter issued a statement strongly denying the allegations.
“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 statement read. “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.”
Authorities said the case will be submitted to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office on Monday for consideration of formal charges. As of now, no charges have been officially filed.
The investigation remains ongoing, and officials have not released additional details regarding the circumstances surrounding the teen’s death.