Grand jury investigation into D4vd spans over one year before arrest
Grand jury investigation into D4vd started February 2026, leading to arrest for 2025 teen death discovery.
Event / Security
D4vd Murder Investigation
TikTok singer D4vd arrested in connection with the 2024 disappearance and death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Her remains were discovered in a vehicle in Los Angeles in September 2025.
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2026-08-18 to 2026-11-15 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 17 Apr, 04:36 UTC
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What happened
Celeste Rivas reported missing in April 2024 before body discovered in September 2025
Celeste Rivas Hernandez was initially reported missing in April 2024. Her case did not gain widespread public attention until her dismembered body was discovered on September 8, 2025, in a Tesla belonging to musician D4vd. She would have turned 15 years old on September 7, 2025.
Toxicology report shows benzodiazepines and methamphetamine in Celeste Rivas' system
A toxicology report from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner showed that Celeste Rivas Hernandez tested presumptive positive for benzodiazepines, methamphetamine, and MDMA, as well as alcohol, at the time of her death. A subsequent test was required to confirm the positive results. In the second drug screening, methamphetamine and designer opioids were inconclusive due to interfering substances, while MDA and benzodiazepines were not positively detected.
Los Angeles County judge orders release of medical examiner's report in Rivas case
During D4vd's April 20, 2026 arraignment, a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge ordered the medical examiner's report for Celeste Rivas Hernandez to be released. The Los Angeles Police Department had previously requested a security hold on the case, preventing details from being disclosed until the judge's order. Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Odey Ukpo stated the transparency was essential for empowering the community and allowing informed action.
Dismembered remains of missing teenager discovered in musician's Tesla
The dismembered and severely decomposed body of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, age 14, was discovered on September 8, 2025, in the trunk of a Tesla registered to musician D4vd. The vehicle had been cited for a parking violation on September 3, 2025, and impounded two days later. A foul smell emanating from the vehicle led authorities to discover the remains during inspection at a Los Angeles tow yard. A deputy medical examiner completed an examination on September 10, 2025. Authorities later determined the teenager had likely been dead several weeks before the discovery.
Musician D4vd cancels tour and postpones album release following arrest
Following the discovery of Celeste Rivas Hernandez's body in his vehicle, musician D4vd canceled the remainder of his tour dates and postponed the deluxe release of his album titled Withered. Initially, a spokesperson stated he was fully cooperating with authorities. D4vd was arrested on April 16, 2026, in connection with the homicide investigation.
Medical examiner determines 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez died from multiple penetrating injuries
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office determined that Celeste Rivas Hernandez, age 14, died from multiple penetrating injuries caused by object(s). The manner of death was ruled a homicide. A detailed autopsy report showed two penetrating wounds to her torso, bilateral dismemberment of upper and lower extremities, and multiple additional skin defects. The cause of death was initially deferred in December 2025 but was officially determined on December 9, 2025, with the full report released on April 22, 2026.
Singer D4vd charged with first-degree murder in death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez
R&B singer D4vd, real name David Anthony Burke, age 21, was charged with first-degree murder with special circumstances in the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Additional charges included continuous sexual abuse of a child under age 14 and unlawful mutilation of human remains. The special circumstances included lying in wait, murder of a witness to an investigation, and murder for financial gain. Burke was arrested on April 16, 2026, and made his first courtroom appearance on April 20, 2026, where he pleaded not guilty. He is being held without bail.
Victim allegedly killed on or about April 23, 2025
Prosecutors allege that D4vd killed Celeste Rivas Hernandez on or about April 23, 2025, the day she was last heard from. Prosecutors state Burke killed her because she posed a threat to his career.
Singer's music career began with viral TikTok success in 2022
D4vd (David Burke) went viral on TikTok in 2022 for his song 'Romantic Homicide,' which accompanied video game montages he posted online. The song peaked at No. 4 on Billboard's Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart, and Burke signed with Darkroom and Interscope Records.
Singer's tour canceled following arrest
D4vd's remaining tour dates for his album 'Withered,' which had been scheduled to wrap up November 4, 2025 in Warsaw, Poland, were canceled in September 2025. The singer was also dropped by his label, Interscope Records, at some point in 2025.
Victim reported missing from Lake Elsinore in April 2024
Celeste Rivas Hernandez, a seventh grader, was reported missing for the last time from her home in Lake Elsinore, California on April 5, 2024. Her family had reported her missing several times before this date.
Alt-pop singer D4vd charged with murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez
Alt-pop singer D4vd (legal name David Burke), age 21, has been formally charged with the murder, sexual abuse, and mutilation of the body of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The charges were filed in April 2026. Burke's defense attorney pleaded not guilty on his behalf during arraignment.
Singer D4vd arrested in connection with victim's death
D4vd was arrested on April 16, 2026 on suspicion of murder in connection with Celeste Rivas Hernandez's death and was held without bail. The Los Angeles Police Department announced the arrest on social media, posting photos of officers in tactical gear approaching a home.
Sexual abuse of victim allegedly began September 2023
Prosecutors allege that D4vd began continuous sexual abuse of Celeste Rivas Hernandez on September 7, 2023, when she had just turned 13 years old. Court documents indicate the girl was a runaway who lived with Burke in Los Angeles.
Victim's body allegedly mutilated on or around May 5, 2025
Prosecutors allege that D4vd mutilated Celeste Rivas Hernandez's remains on or around May 5, 2025, severing her arms and legs from her body. Unlawful mutilation of human remains is one of the felony charges against him.
Remains of missing girl found in singer's Tesla seven months after disappearance
Decomposed remains of Celeste Rivas Hernandez were discovered in the trunk of a Tesla Model Y registered to D4vd in September 2025. The body was found in body bags inside the vehicle, which had been towed from an upscale neighborhood in the Hollywood Hills after sitting abandoned. Her remains were badly decomposed.
D4vd charged with unlawful mutilation of human remains
D4vd was charged with one count of unlawful mutilation of human remains. The charge includes a special allegation that he personally used a sharp instrument to commit the crime. The body of Celeste Rivas Hernandez was found dismembered in two separate bags in the trunk of his Tesla.
Dismembered body of Celeste Rivas Hernandez discovered in Tesla at tow yard
On September 8, 2025, the severely decomposed and dismembered body of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez was discovered in the trunk of a 2023 Tesla Model Y registered to D4vd at a tow yard in Hollywood. Workers at the yard reported a foul smell attracting insects. Authorities found a decomposed head and torso in a cadaver bag and additional dismembered body parts in a second bag inside the vehicle.
D4vd charged with special circumstances in murder case
D4vd was charged with special circumstance allegations including lying in wait, committing the crime for financial gain, and murdering a witness in an investigation. These special circumstances qualify the case for potential capital punishment.
D4vd's defense claims evidence will show innocence
Attorneys for D4vd released a statement asserting his innocence, claiming that the actual evidence in the case will show that David Burke did not murder Celeste Rivas Hernandez and was not the cause of her death. They stated they will vigorously defend his innocence.
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2 alternative perspectives
D4vd's Career Hits Pause Amid Legal Crisis and Tour Cancellation
D4vd's rising music career and gaming ventures face disruption following arrest and tour cancellation.
Singer D4vd Arrested Following Discovery of Missing Teen's Body
Singer D4vd arrested after missing teen's body found in his registered vehicle.