Full Breakdown
Arrest of Singer D4vd in Connection with Celeste Rivas Hernandez's Death
4/19/2026, 4:58:37 AM
Overview of the Case
On April 16, 2026, David Anthony Burke, a 21-year-old musician known as D4vd, was arrested by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) on suspicion of murdering 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Rivas's decomposed body was discovered in the trunk of a Tesla registered to Burke on September 8, 2025, a day after what would have been her 15th birthday. The vehicle had been towed from a Hollywood Hills neighborhood after workers reported a foul odor emanating from it.
Discovery of the Body
Celeste Rivas Hernandez was reported missing in April 2024 from her home in Lake Elsinore, California. Her remains were found in a severely decomposed state, contained within two cadaver bags in the front trunk of Burke's Tesla. The LAPD described the condition of the body as "severely decomposed," with limbs severed from the torso. The medical examiner has ruled her death a homicide, but the specific cause of death remains undisclosed due to a court order sealing the autopsy findings.
Timeline of Events
- April 5, 2024: Celeste Rivas is reported missing.
- September 8, 2025: Rivas's body is discovered in Burke's Tesla.
- April 16, 2026: Burke is arrested on suspicion of murder.
Investigation and Arrest
Burke had been under investigation for several months prior to his arrest, with a grand jury convened to examine evidence related to Rivas's death. The LAPD had not publicly named Burke as a suspect until his arrest, which was executed with significant police presence at his residence in Hollywood Hills. Burke was taken into custody without incident and is currently being held without bail.
Official Statements and Legal Defense
Following the arrest, Burke's attorneys—Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski, and Regina Peter—issued a statement asserting his innocence. They emphasized that no indictment had been returned and no criminal complaint filed against him, stating, “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.” They plan to vigorously defend Burke's innocence as the case progresses.
Community Reaction and Memorial
The discovery of Rivas's body and subsequent developments have led to an outpouring of grief and calls for justice from her family and community. A memorial was established in her honor, with family members expressing their heartbreak over the loss of a beloved daughter and sister. Rivas's father, Jesus Rivas, expressed gratitude upon learning of Burke's arrest, stating, “Thank God... justice for Celeste.”
What's Next
The case is set to be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office for filing consideration on April 20, 2026. Prosecutors will review the evidence gathered by the LAPD to determine whether sufficient grounds exist to file formal charges against Burke. The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities indicating that more than one person may have been involved in the dismemberment and disposal of Rivas's body.
Conclusion
The arrest of D4vd marks a significant development in the investigation surrounding the tragic death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez. As the legal proceedings unfold, both the prosecution and defense will present their cases, with the potential for further revelations about the circumstances leading to Rivas's death.
