LAPD Arrests Musician D4vd Despite Reported Hesitation from LA County DA

Attorney claims police acted unilaterally in 'unprecedented' arrest of singer David Burke

Apr. 19, 2026 at 9:18am

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The Los Angeles Police Department has arrested musician David Burke, known as D4vd, despite reported hesitation from the LA County District Attorney's Office. Attorney Mark Geragos claims the LAPD proceeded with the arrest despite the DA's office not being prepared to file formal charges, describing the police department's unilateral move as 'absolutely unprecedented' in a case of this magnitude.

Why it matters

The arrest highlights apparent friction between the LAPD and the LA County DA's office, with legal experts suggesting the police department's actions were highly unusual. The case also involves the grim discovery of a 14-year-old girl's remains, adding to the high-profile and sensitive nature of the investigation.

The details

According to reports, the LAPD will present the case to the DA's office for consideration on Monday morning. Geragos, Burke's defense attorney, stated that high-ranking officials in the DA's office indicated they were not yet prepared to file formal charges, but the LAPD moved forward after determining the existing evidence was sufficient. The arrest was characterized by a 'significant show of force' in the Hollywood Hills, which Geragos suggests was intended to make a public statement.

  • The LAPD will present the case to the DA for consideration on Monday morning.
  • TMZ reported on Saturday at 1:00 a.m. that the LA County DA will charge David Burke on Monday.
  • Celeste Rivas Hernandez's family will issue a statement after the DA's press conference, which they will attend, along with the arraignment, should it go forward.

The players

Mark Geragos

Defense attorney and co-host of TMZ's '2 Angry Men' podcast, who reported on the LAPD's actions and the reported hesitation from the LA County District Attorney's Office.

David Burke

Also known as the musician D4vd, who was arrested by the LAPD despite reported hesitation from the LA County District Attorney's Office.

Celeste Rivas Hernandez

A 14-year-old girl whose remains were reportedly found dismembered and concealed within two bags in the front compartment of a Tesla.

Patrick Steinfeld

The attorney representing the Rivas Hernandez family, who stated that the family is committed to ensuring Celeste's voice is heard and her memory is honored throughout the process.

Harvey Levin

TMZ's co-founder, who described the LAPD's decision to arrest a suspect without a pre-filed complaint or an indictment as 'absolutely unprecedented' in a case of this magnitude.

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What they’re saying

“The arrest was characterized by a 'significant show of force' in the Hollywood Hills, an action Geragos suggests was intended to make a public statement.”

— Mark Geragos, Defense attorney

“TMZ's Harvey Levin described the decision to arrest a suspect without a pre-filed complaint or an indictment as 'absolutely unprecedented' in a case of this magnitude.”

— Harvey Levin, TMZ co-founder

“The Rivas Hernandez family is committed to ensuring that Celeste's voice is heard and her memory is honored throughout this process.”

— Patrick Steinfeld, Attorney for the Rivas Hernandez family

What’s next

The LA County DA will charge David Burke on Monday, and Celeste Rivas Hernandez's family will issue a statement after the DA's press conference, which they will attend, along with the arraignment, should it go forward.

The takeaway

This case highlights the apparent tension between the LAPD and the LA County District Attorney's Office, with the police department's unilateral decision to arrest a high-profile suspect seen as highly unusual by legal experts. The sensitive nature of the case, involving the grim discovery of a teenager's remains, adds to the complexity and importance of ensuring a thorough and transparent investigation.