Singer d4vd arrested for murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas

LAPD says dismembered body found in singer's Tesla last year led to grand jury investigation and arrest

Apr. 17, 2026 at 12:38am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a severed hand, the skin and bones sharply illuminated by a harsh flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the disturbing details of a high-profile murder investigation.The grim discovery of a dismembered body in a celebrity's vehicle has shocked the music industry and local community.Los Angeles Today

Singer and songwriter d4vd, whose real name is David Burke, has been arrested on suspicion of murder in the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Rivas' dismembered body was found in the trunk of a Tesla registered to Burke in September 2025, leading to a grand jury investigation that resulted in Burke's arrest.

Why it matters

This high-profile case involving a popular young musician has shocked the music industry and local community, raising questions about celebrity privilege, the safety of young fans, and the need for thorough investigations into missing persons cases.

The details

According to court records, police responded to reports of a foul smell at a Hollywood tow yard in September 2025 and found Rivas' decomposed head and torso in a cadaver bag inside a Tesla. Dismembered body parts were found in another bag in the same car. Rivas had been reported missing from Lake Elsinore over a year earlier. Burke, 20 at the time, was on tour when Rivas was identified as the victim, and he cancelled a show the same day.

  • Celeste Rivas Hernandez was reported missing from Lake Elsinore on April 5, 2024.
  • Rivas' dismembered remains were found in a Tesla registered to d4vd on September 8, 2025.
  • d4vd, whose real name is David Burke, cancelled a show in Seattle on the same day Rivas was identified as the victim.
  • Burke, now 21, has been arrested on suspicion of murder by the LAPD.

The players

d4vd

The stage name of singer and songwriter David Burke, a 21-year-old Los Angeles resident who has been arrested on suspicion of murder in the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.

Celeste Rivas Hernandez

A 14-year-old girl whose dismembered body was found in the trunk of a Tesla registered to d4vd in September 2025, over a year after she was reported missing from Lake Elsinore.

Los Angeles Police Department

The law enforcement agency that announced the arrest of David Burke, also known as d4vd, on suspicion of murder in the death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez.

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What they’re saying

“Detectives from Los Angeles Police Department, Robbery-Homicide Division, have arrested David Burke, a 21-year-old resident of Los Angeles, for the murder of Celeste Rivas. Burke is being held without bail.”

— LAPD

What’s next

The case will now proceed through the criminal justice system, with prosecutors deciding whether to formally charge Burke and a judge determining if he should be granted bail.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the need for thorough investigations into missing persons cases, especially those involving young victims, and raises concerns about the potential for abuse of power and privilege by celebrities. It will likely prompt renewed discussions about fan safety, mental health support for young artists, and reforms to the criminal justice system.