Singer D4vd Arrested in Connection with Teen Murder Case
David Burke, the 21-year-old singer who performs under the stage name D4vd, has been arrested by the Los Angeles Police Department in connection with the murder of teenager Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The LAPD announced the arrest in a statement on Thursday, confirming that Burke is being held without bail while the case is prepared for presentation to the district attorney's office on Monday.
Details of the Arrest and Investigation
The Los Angeles Police Department's Robbery-Homicide Division detectives made the arrest, though police have not yet disclosed the specific evidence that led to Burke's detention. According to official statements, the case will be reviewed by prosecutors who will determine whether sufficient evidence exists to file formal charges.
Celeste Rivas Hernandez was just 13 years old when she was last seen in Lake Elsinore, California, in April 2024. Her remains were discovered in September 2025 inside a Tesla vehicle registered to the singer after the car had been impounded by authorities.
Legal Defense and Community Reaction
Burke's legal team, consisting of attorneys Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski, and Regina Peter, issued a strong statement defending their client. "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 attorneys stated. They emphasized that no indictment has been returned by any grand jury and no criminal complaint has been filed, noting that Burke has only been detained under suspicion at this stage.
The attorneys vowed to "vigorously defend David's innocence" as the legal process unfolds. Meanwhile, residents of Lake Elsinore have expressed profound shock and heartbreak over Rivas Hernandez's death. "She deserves justice," said Rubi Alonso, a local resident who knew the teenager's family. "She was studious, a hard worker and intelligent."
Background on the Suspect and Investigation
David Burke, who gained fame through TikTok-viral songs including "Here With Me" and "Romantic Homicide," was identified as a suspect in Rivas Hernandez's death last November according to anonymous law enforcement sources. He had also been the target of a grand jury investigation concerning the teenager's death prior to his arrest.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office indicated that the case is expected to be presented to the Major Crimes Division, where prosecutors will thoroughly review all facts and evidence before making charging decisions. Burke, who performed at the 2025 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, now faces serious legal proceedings as authorities continue their investigation into this tragic case.
