Singer D4vd Arrested in Death of 14-Year-Old

Rising Gen Z musician's career overshadowed by connection to Celeste Rivas Hernandez's murder

Apr. 18, 2026 at 1:40pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered cellphone screen, its cracked glass reflecting the harsh light of the camera flash, conceptually representing the disturbing details of a criminal investigation.A grim reminder of the tragic circumstances surrounding the death of a young life, as a rising music career is overshadowed by a shocking criminal investigation.Los Angeles Today

Singer D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, has been arrested on suspicion of murder in the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Rivas Hernandez's decomposing, dismembered body was discovered last year in the trunk of D4vd's towed Tesla. The 21-year-old musician had been on tour promoting his debut album before the last few shows were canceled.

Why it matters

D4vd's arrest has cast a dark shadow over his rapidly rising music career, which had seen him gain millions of social media followers and chart success with viral hits like 'Romantic Homicide.' The case has shocked his young fanbase and raised questions about the circumstances surrounding Rivas Hernandez's tragic death.

The details

D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, began his career as a video game streamer on YouTube before pivoting to original music. Some of his songs went viral on TikTok, including his 2022 track 'Romantic Homicide.' At 20 years old, he released his debut album 'Withered' and embarked on his first world tour. However, the last few shows of the tour, including dates in San Francisco and Los Angeles, were canceled. The European leg of the tour was also canceled after D4vd's arrest in connection with Rivas Hernandez's death.

  • In September 2025, the body of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez was found in the trunk of a towed Tesla.
  • On April 18, 2026, D4vd was arrested on suspicion of murder in Rivas Hernandez's death.
  • The case will be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office on Monday, April 21, 2026, for filing consideration.

The players

D4vd

The stage name of 21-year-old singer David Anthony Burke, who was arrested on suspicion of murder in the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. D4vd had been on the rise as a Gen Z musician with a viral hit song and a debut album.

Celeste Rivas Hernandez

A 14-year-old girl whose decomposing, dismembered body was found in the trunk of D4vd's towed Tesla in September 2025.

Los Angeles Police Department

The law enforcement agency that arrested D4vd and is presenting the case to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office for filing consideration.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's such a blessing to be able to express myself and release my art and help people around the world, too, but I was homeschooled for the majority of high school, so I was at home - just video games, writing, poetry, reading books.”

— D4vd, Singer

What’s next

The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office will decide on Monday, April 21, 2026, whether to file charges against D4vd in the death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez.

The takeaway

D4vd's arrest has abruptly halted his promising music career and thrust him into the center of a tragic and disturbing case involving the death of a 14-year-old girl. The investigation and legal proceedings will likely dominate the narrative around D4vd, overshadowing his previous success and raising difficult questions about the circumstances surrounding Rivas Hernandez's death.