Singer D4vd, the real name of 21-year-old David Anthony Burke, has been taken into custody in connection with the demise of 15-year-old Celese Rivas Hernandez, whose remains was found in the trunk of a Tesla in September 2025. The Los Angeles-based musician, who has amassed a considerable fanbase on social media through viral TikTok videos, is currently being held on no bail after the arrest founded upon alleged evidence and reasonable grounds. The arrest comes seven months after Hernandez’s remains were found in an seized car in Los Angeles, with the case scheduled to be presented to the LA District Attorney’s Office on Monday for prosecution review.
The Finding and Initial Investigation
The body of Celese Rivas Hernandez was found in the front boot of a Tesla that had been abandoned on a Hollywood street and subsequently seized in Los Angeles. Authorities became aware of the vehicle after detecting a distinctive putrid stench emanating from the impound lot, where the Tesla had been stored for two days. The discovery sparked an immediate inquiry that would eventually result in Burke being named as a suspect in November 2025, though formal arrest proceedings would not occur until April 2026.
Investigators established that Hernandez’s remains had been dismembered, and initial assessments suggested that the disposal of her body likely involved more than one individual. The Tesla under investigation was registered to Burke, creating a direct connection between the car and the accused. Upon discovery, Burke was actively touring and promoting his music, with the shocking revelation resulting in the prompt cancellation of his remaining North American tour dates and his full European dates.
- Body located in Tesla boot after foul odour detected
- Vehicle abandoned on Hollywood street, confiscated for 48 hours
- Remains revealed signs of dismemberment, suggesting several offenders
- Tesla listed under Burke, forming crucial investigative link
From Person of Interest to Apprehension
The seven-month period between the finding of Celese Rivas Hernandez’s remains and the apprehension of D4vd highlights the intricacy of the inquiry. Burke was first identified as a suspect in November 2025, months after the young person’s remains was discovered in September. However, authorities required considerable period to collect sufficient evidence and demonstrate reasonable grounds before making an arrest. The LA Police Department has now assembled its evidence file, which will be presented to the District Attorney’s Office on Monday for official review and possible prosecution.
Burke’s arrest marks a major milestone in a case that rocked the entertainment industry and his considerable fan base. The 21-year-old singer, who had cultivated a sizable following 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 of investigative work by the LAPD, bringing the case closer to potential prosecution and justice for the victim’s family.
Chronology of Events
The case came to light in September 2025 when Hernandez’s decomposed body was found in the Tesla’s front boot. Burke was flagged as a suspect by November 2025, prompting the cancellation of his concert dates. The formal arrest took place in April 2026, seven months after the initial discovery, with the District Attorney’s Office scheduled to receive the case file on Monday for review of formal charges against the artist.
The Artist’s Background, plus Social Media Presence
D4vd, the professional moniker of 21-year-old David Anthony Burke, had built a considerable following across social media platforms, particularly on TikTok where his content went viral. The LA-based artist had cultivated a devoted fanbase via his digital footprint, leveraging the platform’s reach to establish himself within the entertainment industry. His ascent to prominence was characteristic of the contemporary digital landscape, where artists can gain substantial audiences without conventional label support or mainstream media exposure.
Burke’s arrest has reverberated across the influencer and entertainment sectors, with well-known streamers voicing their shock at the allegations. Pokimane and other popular streamers who had earlier partnered with Burke on content voiced surprise upon becoming aware of his link to the allegations. The artist’s swift decline from online prominence to grave legal accusations demonstrates the sharp divide between his online persona and the seriousness of the charges he now is dealing with.
- Developed significant presence on TikTok with significant online following
- Worked with prominent influencers such as Pokimane on streaming content
- Established Los Angeles-based music presence across digital platforms and online presence
Sector Reaction and Concert Cancellations
The finding of Hernandez’s body in September 2025 prompted an swift and thorough action from the music sector. D4vd’s tour dates was rapidly cancelled, with all remaining North American dates cancelled along with the entire European leg 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 linked to Burke’s touring commitments moved quickly to sever professional ties, acknowledging the profound gravity of the events connected to the teenager’s death and the consequences for their own reputations.
The cancellations amounted to a significant financial and professional blow to Burke’s burgeoning career. What had been a strong trajectory for the emerging artist came to an sudden stop as the creative sector grappled with the alarming extent of the allegations. Sector professionals and peer content producers faced difficult questions about their previous associations with Burke, whilst streaming services and performance spaces that had showcased his work came under examination. The incident demonstrated the volatile character of digital prominence and the potential consequences when serious criminal allegations emerge against prominent online personalities.
| Event | Status |
|---|---|
| North American Tour Dates | Cancelled |
| European Tour Leg | Cancelled |
| Social Media Collaborations | Suspended |
| Professional Endorsements | Terminated |
What Comes Next
The Los Angeles Police Department will submit its case to the LA District Attorney’s Office on 21 April 2026, marking a pivotal moment in the prosecutorial process. The District Attorney will examine the evidence supporting probable cause that resulted in Burke’s arrest before deciding whether formal charges will be filed. This filing consideration constitutes the next important stage in the judicial process, as prosecutors must decide on the particular charges to pursue. The ruling by 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 remains in custody on remand as the judicial proceedings continues. The investigation into Hernandez’s death, which initially suggested the participation of several people in the body’s disposal, may yet incriminate additional suspects. Authorities will keep collecting evidence and conducting interviews as the case progresses through the criminal justice system. The weeks ahead will be crucial in determining the full circumstances surrounding the teenager’s death and ascertaining the degree of Burke’s responsibility in what has become one of the most shocking cases to emerge from Los Angeles’s entertainment scene in the past few years.