American singer D4vd has been arrested in connection with the death of a teenage girl whose remains were discovered last year, marking a major development in a case that has drawn widespread attention. Authorities in Los Angeles confirmed that the 21-year-old artist, born David Anthony Burke, is being held without bail on suspicion of murder. Police say the case will be forwarded to the District Attorney’s office, while his legal team insists there is no concrete evidence linking him to the girl’s death and stresses that no formal charges have yet been filed.
The investigation centers on the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, who was reported missing in April 2024. Her remains were discovered months later, on September 8, in a vehicle registered to Burke after it had been towed to a Hollywood yard following complaints of a foul smell. Court filings reveal that parts of her decomposed body were found in a bag inside the front trunk of the car. Medical officials have not yet determined the cause of death, noting the condition of the remains and indicating she may have died weeks before the discovery.
The case has been shrouded in mystery, with limited official information fueling speculation about any connection between the singer and the victim. A grand jury began reviewing evidence in December, and Burke had already been identified as a person of interest before his arrest. Additional court documents surfaced after his family was called to testify, confirming that he was under investigation for a possible murder charge.
Rivas Hernandez, who lived roughly 75 miles from where her body was found, was known in her community as a familiar face at local shops. Her disappearance and the circumstances surrounding her death have sparked intense public interest, both locally and online. A judge had previously ordered her death records sealed to allow investigators to gather key findings from the medical examiner before releasing further details.
Before the arrest, Burke had largely stayed out of the public eye, though his representatives maintained he was cooperating with investigators. The rising star, known for breakout tracks like Here With Me and Romantic Homicide, saw his career stall after the case surfaced. He cancelled a planned world tour, lost brand partnerships, and had collaborations pulled, including one with Kali Uchis.