Musician Arrested in Teen Girl’s Death Case
R&B singer D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, has been arrested by Los Angeles police in connection with the death of a teenage girl. Authorities discovered the severely decomposed body of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez inside Burke’s Tesla, according to a statement released on Thursday.
The 21-year-old musician is currently held without bail, as confirmed by city officials.
Discovery of the Body
In September, detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department responded to a tow yard in Hollywood after reports indicated a foul odor emanating from an impounded vehicle registered to Burke. The Tesla had been towed from the Hollywood Hills area after appearing abandoned.
Upon inspection, officers found a dismembered body inside the vehicle. The remains were later identified as those of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, who had been reported missing earlier in 2024. She was last seen in Lake Elsinore, located approximately 60 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles.
The Los Angeles County medical examiner’s office determined that Rivas Hernandez had been deceased inside the car for an extended period prior to discovery.
Legal Proceedings and Investigation
Police indicated that Burke’s case would be submitted to the district attorney’s office on Monday for further review.
In a statement provided to the New York Times on Thursday, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office confirmed the arrest and noted that the case would be presented to the Major Crimes Division.
“Prosecutors will review the facts and evidence to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to file charges,”
the statement read.
The arrest occurred while Burke was facing a grand jury investigation related to the death of Rivas Hernandez. Attempts to reach Burke’s attorney, Blair Berk, for comment on Thursday were unsuccessful.
Cooperation and Search Warrants
Earlier in September, a spokesperson for Burke told NBC News that the musician was cooperating fully with authorities. That same month, police obtained a search warrant for a residence in Hollywood Hills where Burke had been staying. Detectives seized a computer and other items during the search, according to ABC News.
Background on Burke and Public Reaction
Raised in Houston, Burke rose to prominence around 2022 with a series of viral TikTok songs, including "Romantic Homicide," which has attracted renewed attention due to its lyrics referencing death.
His online success led to collaborations with artists such as SZA and Kali Uchis. At the time of the discovery of Hernandez’s body, Burke was on tour, which was subsequently cancelled.
The circumstances surrounding Rivas Hernandez’s death have sparked widespread interest among online communities, with internet sleuths investigating potential connections between her and Burke.
Family Statements and Relationship Status
In September, Rivas Hernandez’s brother, Matthew, told NBCLA that prior to her disappearance, his sister mentioned she was on her way to watch a movie with Burke.
Authorities have not provided details regarding the nature of the relationship between Burke and Rivas Hernandez.
