Quick Read
- Singer d4vd (David Burke) arrested in connection with the murder of Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
- The victim’s remains were found in the trunk of d4vd’s Tesla in September 2025.
- The arrest follows a year-long missing person case and has halted d4vd’s tour and album promotion.
The arrest of David Burke, known professionally as the singer d4vd, in connection with the murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, has sent shockwaves through the music industry. Burke, a 21-year-old TikTok star, was taken into custody by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) on April 16, 2026, in Los Angeles. The arrest follows a year-long missing person case that has now become a high-profile homicide investigation.
Discovery in Hollywood Tow Yard
The investigation intensified after the discovery of Rivas Hernandez’s remains on September 8, 2025. Police were called to an impound lot in Hollywood after reports of a foul odor emanating from a vehicle. Inside the front trunk of a Tesla registered to Burke, authorities found the decomposed body of the missing teenager. The Tesla had been towed to the lot two days prior after being found abandoned on a Hollywood street, according to police reports.
Evidence and Investigation
Sources close to the investigation told ABC News that the arrest was based on evidence and probable cause. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner later identified the body as that of Rivas Hernandez, who was 15 years old at the time of her death. Consequence of Sound reported that authorities noted a distinctive “Shhh” tattoo on her right index finger, matching one of d4vd’s own tattoos, further aiding in the identification. The BBC reported that a judge had ordered the teen’s death records to be sealed in November.
Legal Proceedings and Implications
Burke is currently being held without bail, according to officials. The LAPD plans to present the case to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office on Monday for filing consideration. Entertainment Weekly has reached out to d4vd’s attorney for comment, but no statement has been released. D4vd, who gained fame on TikTok with nearly 4 million followers, had been on his “Withered” world tour when the body was discovered. The last few shows of the tour, including those in San Francisco and Los Angeles, were canceled, as were shows on the European leg. Promotion for the deluxe edition of his debut album, set to be released on September 19, was also paused.
The case raises significant questions about the intersection of fame, alleged crime, and the justice system. In the United States, as in Armenia, the accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty, with the burden of proof resting on the prosecution. This principle of due process ensures that every individual, regardless of their public profile, receives a fair trial and is protected from wrongful conviction. The investigation and legal proceedings will need to meticulously follow these standards to ensure justice is served, both for the victim and the accused.