Singer D4vd, the actual identity of 21-year-old David Anthony Burke, has been arrested in relation to the death 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 accumulated a substantial following on social media via viral TikTok videos, is currently being detained on no bail following the arrest based on alleged evidence and probable cause. The arrest comes seven months after Hernandez’s body were found in an impounded vehicle in Los Angeles, with the case scheduled to be submitted to the LA District Attorney’s Office on Monday for filing consideration.
The Discovery and Preliminary Inquiry
The body of Celese Rivas Hernandez was discovered in the front boot of a Tesla that had been deserted on a Hollywood street and subsequently confiscated in Los Angeles. Authorities became notified about the vehicle after noticing a distinctive unpleasant smell originating in the impound lot, where the Tesla had been held for two days. The discovery prompted an immediate inquiry that would eventually lead to Burke being identified as a suspect in November 2025, though official arrest procedures would not take place until April 2026.
Investigators concluded that Hernandez’s remains had been dismembered, and early evaluations suggested that the disposal of her body likely involved more than one individual. The Tesla in question was registered to Burke, creating a straightforward tie between the vehicle and the accused. At the time of the discovery, Burke was actively touring and promoting his work, with the startling discovery leading to the swift cancellation of his final North American shows and his full European dates.
- Body found in Tesla boot after foul odour identified
- Vehicle deserted on Hollywood street, seized for two days
- Remains showed signs of dismemberment, suggesting multiple perpetrators
- Tesla registered to Burke, forming important investigative link
From Suspect to Arrest
The seven-month period between the finding of Celese Rivas Hernandez’s remains and the arrest of D4vd underscores the intricacy of the inquiry. Burke was initially named as a suspect in November 2025, months after the young person’s remains was found in September. However, law enforcement needed substantial time to collect sufficient evidence and demonstrate reasonable grounds before making an arrest. The LA Police Department has now compiled its evidence file, which will be submitted to the DA’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 built a sizable following through viral TikTok content, is presently detained without bail awaiting trial. The arrest was initially disclosed by ABC News and represents the culmination of months investigation efforts by the LAPD, moving the matter closer to potential prosecution and justice for the victim’s family.
Sequence of Events
The case started emerging in September 2025 when Hernandez’s decomposed body was found in the Tesla’s front boot. Burke was named as a suspect by November 2025, prompting the cancellation of his concert dates. The formal arrest happened in April 2026, seven months after the initial discovery, with the District Attorney’s Office due to receive the case file on Monday for consideration of formal charges against the performer.
The Artist’s Background, plus Social Media Presence
D4vd, the stage name of 21-year-old David Anthony Burke, had built a considerable following on social media platforms, especially on TikTok where his content went viral. The LA-based singer had cultivated a loyal fanbase via his online presence, utilising the platform’s reach to carve out a niche within the entertainment industry. His rise to fame was characteristic of the modern digital age, where artists can attract large followings without conventional label support or traditional broadcast exposure.
Burke’s apprehension has reverberated across the influencer and entertainment sectors, with prominent content creators conveying their astonishment at the allegations. Pokimane and fellow prominent creators who had previously collaborated with Burke on content voiced surprise upon learning of his link to the allegations. The artist’s swift decline from social media success to grave legal accusations demonstrates the marked difference between his public-facing identity and the gravity of the accusations he now confronts.
- Developed substantial audience on TikTok with significant social media audience
- Worked with notable influencers such as Pokimane on digital content
- Established LA-based music career through streaming services and web-based visibility
Sector Reaction and Concert Cancellations
The finding of Hernandez’s body in September 2025 triggered an immediate and comprehensive response from the music sector. D4vd’s tour dates was swiftly dismantled, with all outstanding US and Canadian shows scrapped along with the entire European leg of his tour. The rapid response reflected the seriousness of the claims and the industry’s need to separate itself from the case. Venues, promoters, and fellow artists who had been associated with Burke’s touring commitments moved quickly to break professional connections, acknowledging the profound gravity of the circumstances surrounding the teenager’s death and the consequences for their own public standing.
The cancellations constituted a substantial monetary and career blow to Burke’s rapidly expanding career. What had been a promising trajectory for the emerging artist came to an immediate standstill as the creative sector contended with the shocking nature of the allegations. Entertainment figures and fellow content creators confronted challenging questions about their prior connections with Burke, whilst digital platforms and venues that had showcased his work faced scrutiny. The incident underscored the volatile character of online celebrity and the potential consequences when serious criminal allegations emerge against well-known internet personalities.
| Event | Status |
|---|---|
| North American Tour Dates | Cancelled |
| European Tour Leg | Cancelled |
| Social Media Collaborations | Suspended |
| Professional Endorsements | Terminated |
The Next Steps
The Los Angeles Police Department will submit its case to the LA District Attorney’s Office on Monday, 21 April 2026, marking a critical juncture in the prosecution’s efforts. The District Attorney will review the evidence and probable cause that led to Burke’s arrest before determining whether official charges will be brought. This charging decision represents the next significant milestone in the legal proceedings, as prosecutors must determine the particular charges to bring against Burke. 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 stays in custody without bail as the judicial proceedings continues. The investigation into Hernandez’s death, which initially suggested the participation of several people in the remains’ removal, may yet incriminate additional suspects. Authorities will continue gathering information and conducting interviews as the case progresses through the criminal justice system. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the full circumstances surrounding the teenager’s death and determining the extent of Burke’s culpability in what has become one of the most shocking cases to come out of Los Angeles’s entertainment scene in recent years.