Singer D4vd Arrested in Killing of 14-Year-Old Girl

Authorities found the teen's dismembered remains in a vehicle linked to the artist.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 3:53am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered car window lens reflecting a faint red light, conveying the stark, gritty, and investigative nature of this violent crime story.The arrest of a popular singer in a young victim's homicide has sparked public scrutiny over the disturbing details of this case.Los Angeles Today

Los Angeles police have arrested singer D4vd, whose legal name is David Burke, on suspicion of killing 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The decomposed and dismembered remains of Rivas Hernandez were discovered last year in a Tesla registered to the alt-pop artist.

Why it matters

The arrest marks the first major development in a case that has raised public questions about the circumstances surrounding the teen's death. No cause of death has been publicly released.

The details

According to the Los Angeles Police Department, detectives from the Robbery-Homicide Division have arrested Burke, a 21-year-old Los Angeles resident, for Rivas Hernandez's murder. The case will be presented to the District Attorney's office on Monday for filing consideration.

  • The decomposed and dismembered remains of Celeste Rivas Hernandez were found last year in a Tesla registered to David Burke.
  • Burke was arrested by the LAPD on Thursday.

The players

D4vd

The stage name of David Burke, a 21-year-old alt-pop artist from Los Angeles who has been arrested on suspicion of killing 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.

Celeste Rivas Hernandez

A 14-year-old girl whose decomposed and dismembered remains were found in a Tesla registered to David Burke.

Los Angeles Police Department

The law enforcement agency that arrested David Burke on suspicion of killing Celeste Rivas Hernandez.

Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office

The prosecutorial agency that will review the evidence and determine whether to file charges against David Burke.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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.”

— D4vd's legal team

What’s next

The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office is expected to present the case to the Major Crimes Division on Monday to determine if there is sufficient evidence to file charges against David Burke.

The takeaway

This high-profile case has raised troubling questions about the circumstances surrounding the death of a 14-year-old girl, and the public will be closely watching how the criminal justice system handles the allegations against the popular singer.