Singer D4vd, the real name of 21-year-old David Anthony Burke, has been arrested in connection with the death of 15-year-old Celese Rivas Hernandez, whose remains was found in the boot of a Tesla in September 2025. The Los Angeles-based musician, who has accumulated a considerable fanbase on social media through viral TikTok videos, is currently being held on no bail following the arrest founded upon alleged evidence and reasonable grounds. The arrest comes seven months after Hernandez’s body were found in an impounded vehicle in Los Angeles, with the case scheduled to be presented to the LA District Attorney’s Office on Monday for filing consideration.
The Discovery and Early Inquiry
The body of Celese Rivas Hernandez was located in the front boot of a Tesla that had been left on a Hollywood street and subsequently confiscated in Los Angeles. Authorities became notified about the vehicle after noticing a distinctive foul odour coming from the impound lot, where the Tesla had been held for two days. The discovery sparked an immediate investigation that would eventually lead to Burke being identified as a suspect in November 2025, though legal arrest processes would not occur until April 2026.
Investigators determined that Hernandez’s remains had been cut into pieces, and early evaluations suggested that the disposal of her body apparently necessitated more than one person. The Tesla under investigation was listed under the name of Burke, creating a direct connection between the car and the accused. Upon discovery, Burke was on tour promoting his work, with the disturbing news prompting the immediate cancellation of his remaining North American tour dates and his entire European leg.
- Body located in Tesla boot after bad odour identified
- Vehicle left on Hollywood street, seized for 48 hours
- Remains displayed signs of mutilation, indicating more than one person
- Tesla listed under Burke, establishing crucial investigative link
From Person of Interest to Arrest
The seven-month period between the finding of Celese Rivas Hernandez’s remains and the apprehension of D4vd highlights the complexity of the investigation. Burke was first identified as a person of interest in November 2025, months after the young person’s remains was discovered in September. However, authorities required substantial time to collect enough proof and establish probable cause before proceeding with an arrest. The LA Police Department has now compiled its evidence file, which will be presented to the District Attorney’s Office on Monday for formal filing consideration and potential charges.
Burke’s arrest constitutes a major milestone in a case that shocked the music world and his substantial social media following. The 21-year-old artist, who had built a large audience through popular short-form videos, is currently being held in custody awaiting trial. The arrest was first reported by ABC News and constitutes the result of extensive investigation efforts by the LAPD, moving the matter closer to potential prosecution and accountability for the victim’s loved ones.
Timeline of Events
The case started emerging in September 2025 when Hernandez’s decomposed body was located in the Tesla’s front boot. Burke was identified as a suspect by November 2025, resulting in the cancellation of his performance schedule. The formal arrest took place in April 2026, seven months after the initial discovery, with the District Attorney’s Office set to receive the case file on Monday for consideration of formal charges against the artist.
The Artist’s Background, plus Online Presence
D4vd, the professional moniker of 21-year-old David Anthony Burke, had established a substantial following on social media platforms, particularly on TikTok where his content went viral. The LA-based singer had developed a loyal fanbase via his online presence, utilising the platform’s reach to establish himself within the entertainment industry. His ascent to prominence was characteristic of the modern digital age, where musicians can gain large followings without conventional label support or mainstream media exposure.
Burke’s detention has reverberated across the influencer and entertainment spheres, with well-known streamers expressing their disbelief at the allegations. Pokimane and other popular streamers who had previously collaborated with Burke on projects registered dismay upon learning of his involvement in the matter. The artist’s swift decline from digital stardom to serious criminal charges underscores the sharp divide between his digital image and the gravity of the accusations he now confronts.
- Developed substantial audience on TikTok with significant social media audience
- Worked with well-known influencers including Pokimane on streaming content
- Established LA-based music career through digital platforms and digital footprint
Industry Response and Performance Postponements
The finding of Hernandez’s body in September 2025 triggered an swift and thorough response from the music sector. D4vd’s touring schedule was rapidly cancelled, with all remaining North American dates cancelled alongside the complete European portion of his tour. The rapid response demonstrated the seriousness of the claims and the sector’s requirement to distance itself from the case. Venues, promoters, and fellow artists who had been associated with Burke’s tour obligations acted swiftly to sever professional ties, recognising the serious weight of the events connected to the teenager’s death and the implications for their own public standing.
The cancellations amounted to a significant financial and professional blow to Burke’s rapidly expanding career. What had been a strong trajectory for the emerging artist came to an immediate standstill as the entertainment world dealt with the shocking nature of the allegations. Entertainment figures and fellow content creators encountered tough scrutiny about their earlier links with Burke, whilst platforms and venues that had featured his content came under examination. The incident demonstrated the unpredictable nature of online celebrity and the far-reaching impact when serious criminal allegations emerge against high-profile digital figures.
| Event | Status |
|---|---|
| North American Tour Dates | Cancelled |
| European Tour Leg | Cancelled |
| Social Media Collaborations | Suspended |
| Professional Endorsements | Terminated |
What Happens Next
The Los Angeles Police Department will present its case to the LA District Attorney’s Office on 21 April 2026, representing a critical juncture in the prosecutorial process. The District Attorney will review the evidence supporting probable cause that led to Burke’s arrest before determining whether formal charges will be brought. This charging decision represents the next important stage in the legal proceedings, as prosecutors must decide on the specific charges to bring against Burke. The decision from the District Attorney’s Office will significantly affect the direction the case takes and the severity of allegations Burke will encounter in legal proceedings.
Burke stays in custody without bail as the judicial proceedings advances. The investigation into Hernandez’s death, which initially suggested the involvement of multiple individuals in the body’s disposal, may yet incriminate further individuals. Authorities will continue gathering information and conducting interviews as the case progresses through the criminal justice system. The coming weeks will prove decisive in determining the complete facts surrounding the teenager’s death and ascertaining the extent of Burke’s culpability in what has become one of the most striking incidents to come out of the Los Angeles entertainment world in the past few years.