Musician D4vd Detained in Connection with Teen's Death After Body Found in Vehicle
R&B singer D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, has been arrested by Los Angeles police on suspicion of killing a teenage girl. The 21-year-old artist is being held without bail following the discovery of a severely decomposed body in his Tesla, which was impounded in Hollywood.
Discovery of the Body and Identification
In September, authorities responded to reports of a foul odor at a tow yard in Hollywood, where they found a dismembered body inside a car registered to Burke. The vehicle had been towed from the Hollywood Hills after appearing abandoned. The victim was later identified as 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, who had been reported missing in 2024. She was last seen in Lake Elsinore, about 60 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles.
The medical examiner's office determined that Rivas Hernandez had been deceased in the car for an extended period before being found. Police plan to present the case to the district attorney's office on Monday for potential charges.
Legal Proceedings and Statements
The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office acknowledged the arrest and stated that the case will be reviewed by the Major Crimes Division. Prosecutors will examine the facts and evidence to decide whether to file charges. This arrest comes as Burke was already facing a grand jury investigation related to Rivas Hernandez's death.
In a statement to the Guardian, Burke's legal team, including lawyers Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski, and Regina Peter, maintained his innocence. They emphasized that no indictment or criminal complaint has been filed, and they claim evidence will show Burke did not murder Rivas Hernandez or cause her death.
Background and Impact
Burke, raised in Houston, rose to fame around 2022 with viral TikTok hits like Romantic Homicide, which has faced renewed scrutiny over its lyrics about death. His internet success led to collaborations with stars such as SZA and Kali Uchis. At the time of the body's discovery, Burke was on a tour that was later canceled.
The case has sparked interest among internet sleuths, who are searching for clues linking Rivas Hernandez to Burke. Her brother, Matthew, told NBCLA in September that before she went missing, his sister said she was going to watch a movie with Burke. Authorities have not commented on the nature of their relationship.
As the investigation continues, the music industry and fans are closely watching developments in this tragic case.
