Singer D4vd, the real name of 21-year-old David Anthony Burke, has been taken into custody in relation to the death of 15-year-old Celese Rivas Hernandez, whose decomposed body was found in the trunk of a Tesla in September 2025. The Los Angeles-situated musician, who has accumulated a substantial following on social media through popular TikTok content, is currently being held without bail following the apprehension founded upon alleged evidence and reasonable grounds. The arrest comes seven months after Hernandez’s remains were discovered in an seized car in Los Angeles, with the case scheduled to be presented to the LA District Attorney’s Office on Monday for filing consideration.
The Finding and Early Investigation
The body of Celese Rivas Hernandez was discovered 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 unpleasant smell coming from the impound lot, where the Tesla had been kept for two days. The discovery prompted an immediate probe that would eventually lead to Burke being named as a suspect in November 2025, though formal arrest proceedings would not take place until April 2026.
Investigators concluded that Hernandez’s remains had been dismembered, and initial assessments suggested that the removal of her remains probably required more than one perpetrator. The Tesla in question was registered to Burke, confirming a straightforward tie between the vehicle and the suspect. When the body was found, Burke was on tour promoting his work, with the disturbing news resulting in the immediate cancellation of his final North American shows and his complete European tour.
- Body located in Tesla boot after bad odour noticed
- Vehicle abandoned on Hollywood street, seized for two days
- Remains displayed signs of mutilation, pointing to more than one person
- Tesla in the name of Burke, establishing key investigative link
From Suspect to Arrest
The seven-month interval between the finding of Celese Rivas Hernandez’s remains and the apprehension of D4vd highlights the intricacy 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 needed considerable period to gather enough proof and establish reasonable grounds before proceeding with an arrest. The LA Police Department has now compiled its case, which will be presented to the District Attorney’s Office on Monday for official review and potential charges.
Burke’s arrest represents a significant development in a case that stunned the music world and his large online audience. The 21-year-old artist, who had developed a sizable following through popular short-form videos, is currently being held in custody pending further legal proceedings. The arrest was initially disclosed by ABC News and represents the culmination of months of investigative work by the Los Angeles Police Department, moving the matter closer to possible charges and justice for the victim’s family.
Events Timeline
The case started emerging in September 2025 when Hernandez’s decomposed body was located in the Tesla’s front boot. Burke was named as a suspect by November 2025, leading to 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 due to receive the case file on Monday for consideration of formal charges against the artist.
The Creator’s Background, plus Social Media Presence
D4VD, the stage name of 21-year-old David Anthony Burke, had established a considerable following on social media platforms, particularly on TikTok where his material went viral. The LA-based singer had cultivated a loyal fanbase via his digital footprint, utilising the platform’s reach to establish himself within the entertainment industry. His rise to fame was characteristic of the modern digital age, where musicians can attract large followings without traditional record label backing or mainstream media exposure.
Burke’s arrest has created upheaval within the influencer and entertainment spheres, with major influencers voicing their shock at the claims. Pokimane and other popular streamers who had previously collaborated with Burke on projects expressed shock upon becoming aware of his link to the allegations. The performer’s dramatic downfall from social media success to serious criminal charges demonstrates the marked difference between his online persona and the seriousness of the charges he now is dealing with.
- Built substantial audience on TikTok with considerable online following
- Partnered with well-known influencers alongside Pokimane on online broadcasts
- Launched LA-based music career through streaming services and digital footprint
Sector Reaction and Concert Cancellations
The discovery of Hernandez’s body in September 2025 prompted an swift and thorough response from the entertainment industry. D4vd’s tour dates was swiftly dismantled, with all outstanding US and Canadian shows scrapped alongside the entire European leg of his tour. The rapid response demonstrated the severity of the allegations and the sector’s requirement to separate itself from the case. Venues, promoters, and fellow artists who had been linked to Burke’s touring commitments moved quickly to break professional connections, acknowledging the serious weight of the events connected to the teenager’s death and the implications for their own public standing.
The cancellations constituted a substantial monetary and career blow to Burke’s burgeoning career. What had been a favourable path for the young musician came to an sudden stop as the entertainment industry grappled with the shocking nature of the allegations. Industry insiders and peer content producers confronted challenging questions about their previous associations with Burke, whilst streaming services and performance spaces that had hosted his performances underwent investigation. The incident underscored the uncertain dynamics of online celebrity and the potential consequences when significant legal charges emerge against well-known internet 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 present its case to the LA District Attorney’s Office on 21 April 2026, marking a critical juncture in the prosecution’s efforts. The District Attorney will examine the evidence supporting probable cause that resulted in Burke’s arrest before determining whether formal charges will be brought. This charging decision represents the next significant milestone in the legal proceedings, as prosecutors must determine the specific charges to pursue. The ruling by the District Attorney’s Office will significantly affect the trajectory of the case and the severity of allegations Burke will face in court.
Burke remains in custody without bail as the judicial proceedings continues. The investigation into Hernandez’s death, which initially suggested the involvement of multiple individuals in the remains’ removal, may yet implicate further individuals. Authorities will keep collecting information and conducting interviews as the case progresses through the courts. The weeks ahead will prove decisive in determining the full circumstances 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 recent years.