Singer D4vd Arrested on Suspicion of 14-Year-Old's Murder

Authorities say decomposed body of Celeste Rivas Hernandez was found in singer's abandoned Tesla.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 12:37pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a decomposed human hand partially visible in a black body bag, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the disturbing evidence found in this criminal case.The grim discovery of a decomposed body in an abandoned vehicle has sparked a high-profile murder investigation.Lake Elsinore Today

Singer D4vd, whose real name is David Burke, has been arrested on suspicion of killing 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The decomposed body of the teen was found seven months ago in D4vd's apparently abandoned Tesla in the Hollywood Hills. Defense attorneys have declared D4vd's innocence, stating the evidence will show he did not murder Celeste.

Why it matters

This high-profile case involving a rising young music star has shocked fans and raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the teen's death. The investigation has also highlighted the challenges law enforcement faces in solving cold cases involving missing persons.

The details

Police say the decomposed body of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, a 14-year-old girl who went missing in 2024, was found in a Tesla registered to singer D4vd. Authorities say the body was discovered in a cadaver bag, with the arms and legs severed from the torso. D4vd's defense attorneys have stated he is innocent and that the evidence will exonerate him.

  • Celeste Rivas Hernandez went missing in 2024 from her hometown of Lake Elsinore, California.
  • Her decomposed body was found on September 8, a day after what would have been her 15th birthday.
  • D4vd was arrested on suspicion of murder on April 17, 2026.

The players

D4vd

Also known as David Burke, a 21-year-old alt-pop singer from Houston who has been arrested on suspicion of murdering 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.

Celeste Rivas Hernandez

A 14-year-old girl from Lake Elsinore, California whose decomposed body was found in D4vd's abandoned Tesla.

Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski, and Regina Peter

D4vd's defense attorneys who have declared his innocence and stated the evidence will show he did not murder Celeste Rivas Hernandez.

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What they’re saying

“Let us be clear — the actual evidence in this case will show that David Burke did not murder Celeste Rivas Hernandez and he was not the cause of her death.”

— Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski, and Regina Peter, D4vd's Defense Attorneys

What’s next

Prosecutors will review the case on Monday to determine if there is enough evidence to file charges against D4vd.

The takeaway

This tragic case has shocked the music community and raised serious questions about the circumstances surrounding the death of a young teenager. The investigation will continue as authorities work to uncover the truth and bring justice for Celeste Rivas Hernandez.