The Los Angeles Police Department have arrested singer D4vd in connection with the death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
The body of 14-year-old Celeste was discovered in the trunk of a vehicle owned by the rapper in September. The car, a Tesla, had been moved to a Hollywood tow yard after seemingly being abandoned in an upscale neighbourhood in the hills.
Police made the discovery after receiving reports of a 'foul odour' being emitted from inside the car.
Celeste, who'd disappeared from her Lake Elsinore, California home in April 2024 at the age of 13, was identified by her wavy black hair and an 'Shh' finger tattoo.
Advert
A Medical Examiner's Office spokesperson later confirmed that Celeste had been 'deceased inside the vehicle for an extended period of time before being found' by police.
LAPD announced on Thursday (16 Apr) that 21-year-old D4vd, real name David Anthony Burke, is now 'being held without bail' in relation to the case.
In a statement shared on X, the department added: "The case will be presented to the District Attorney’s office on Monday for filing consideration."
A further message was given to PEOPLE, which confirmed the city's District Attorney's office 'is aware of the arrest of David Anthony Burke by the Los Angeles Police Department'.
It added: "The case is expected to be presented to the Major Crimes Division, at which point prosecutors will review the facts and evidence to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to file a charge.
"At this time, additional information is not available. We will share an update on Monday once a filing decision has been made."
D4vd's lawyers, Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski and Regina Peter, have since responded to the news of their client's arrest.
"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," the team said.
"There has been no indictment returned by any grand jury in this case and no criminal complaint filed.
"David has only been detained under suspicion. We will vigorously defend David’s innocence."
The New York musician had been touring the US when Celeste's remains were discovered by police, and had been on track to play several more dates in America, as well as an entire European tour, which was cancelled in light of the news.
His arrest comes two months after a subpoena was made public, explicitly listing D4vd as the 'target' of the inquiry.
"Target may be involved in having committed the following criminal offences against the laws of the State of California, to wit: One count of Murder," the legal filings stated.
A timeline of Celeste Rivas Hernandez and the allegations against D4vd
April 2024
Celeste Rivas Hernandez, aged 13, is reported missing by her family from Lake Elsinore, California. It is the third time she is reported missing that year, but tragically, she is never seen by her parents again.
25 April 2025
D4vd’s debut album Withered is released. It debuts at No. 13 on the Billboard chart, with 30,000 units sold in the first week. He tells The Hollywood Reporter that 80 per cent of the album was made on his phone, and he recorded vocal takes in his sister’s closet.
5 August 2025
D4vd begins a world tour, starting with a gig in Del Mar, California.
8 September 2025
Celeste’s severely decomposed body is found in the front trunk of a Tesla linked to D4vd. D4vd’s representatives say he is cooperating with the investigation.
9 September 2025
D4vd performs as planned at The Fillmore Minneapolis, despite the ongoing investigation around Celeste’s death.
18 September 2025
Celeste’s family create a fundraiser and release a statement, which reads: “As many of you know, Celeste Rivas Hernandez has been identified as the body found last week. She was a beloved daughter, sister, cousin, and friend. Her family is heartbroken and devastated by this tragic loss. Any funds you are able to donate are greatly appreciated.” More than £24,000 is raised for them.
19 September 2025
D4vd cancels the rest of his world tour, and the deluxe version of his debut album is not released as planned.
24 November 2025
The Los Angeles medical examiners officer receives a court order preventing any details of Hernandez’s death from being released to the public.
16 April 2026
D4vd is arrested and held without bail.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact GrieveWell on (734) 975-0238, or email [email protected].
Rhianna Benson