The music world is in shock following the arrest of rising alt-pop star d4vd (David Burke). The 21-year-old singer was taken into custody by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) on Thursday, April 16, 2026, in connection with the horrific discovery of a teenage girl’s remains inside his vehicle last year.
The arrest marks a turning point in a months-long investigation that has cast a dark shadow over the Romantic Homicide singer’s rapidly ascending career.
The Investigation: From an Abandoned Tesla to a Murder Charge
The case began on September 8, 2025, when a 2023 Tesla Model Y, registered to David Burke, was towed from a Hollywood Hills neighborhood after appearing abandoned. Upon reaching the tow yard, workers reported a foul odor emanating from the vehicle.
According to court documents, LAPD investigators discovered a gruesome scene within the car’s storage compartment:
- The Victim: The remains were identified as Celeste Rivas Hernandez, a 14-year-old girl who had been missing since 2024 from Lake Elsinore, California.
- The Crime Scene: Police found a cadaver bag containing a decomposed head and torso. A second bag found beneath it contained the victim’s severed limbs.
- Timeline: Medical examiners believe Hernandez had been deceased in the vehicle for several weeks during the peak of the Los Angeles summer heat before being discovered.
Who is d4vd?
Born David Anthony Burke, d4vd became a breakout sensation in 2022, primarily through TikTok. His hit single Romantic Homicide, ironically, is now under intense scrutiny for its dark lyrics, catapulting him to the top of the indie-rock and R&B charts.
He had recently collaborated with major artists like SZA and Kali Uchis and was in the middle of a global tour supporting his album Withered when the investigation began. Following the discovery of the body, D4VD canceled several high-profile shows, including performances at the Grammy Museum and a European tour.
Read more: Allbirds Abandons Shoes for AI
Legal Defense and Next Steps
Despite the grim discovery, d4vd’s legal team, led by high-profile attorney Blair Berk, maintains his innocence. In a statement released shortly after the arrest, his lawyers emphasized:
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.
They further noted that while he is being held on suspicion of murder, no formal indictment or criminal complaint has been filed yet. The LAPD is expected to present its case to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office on Monday to determine if formal charges will be pursued.
What Happens Next?
As of now, d4vd is being held without bail. The Major Crimes Division is currently reviewing the evidence, which reportedly includes electronics and computers seized from a Hollywood Hills home where the singer had been staying.
For fans and the music industry alike, the case remains a tragedy in the making. Internet sleuths and authorities are still trying to piece together the relationship between the singer and the 14-year-old victim. Her brother, Matthew Hernandez, previously told reporters that Celeste had mentioned she was going to watch a movie with the singer before she disappeared.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What exactly was d4vd charged with?
As of April 16, 2026, d4vd (David Burke) has been arrested by the LAPD on suspicion of murder. While he is currently being held without bail, formal charges from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office are expected to be filed following a review of the evidence gathered over the last several months.
How was the victim, Celeste Rivas Hernandez, linked to d4vd?
While the full nature of their relationship is still under investigation, the victim’s family has stated that Celeste mentioned she was going to see a movie with the singer prior to her disappearance in 2024. Additionally, her remains were discovered inside a Tesla Model Y registered to the singer, which had been abandoned in the Hollywood Hills.
Has D4vd released a statement regarding the allegations?
While d4vd himself has not spoken publicly since the arrest, his legal team issued a statement firmly maintaining his innocence. His attorneys claim that the evidence will prove he was not responsible for the death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Since the investigation began in late 2025, the singer has remained largely out of the public eye, canceling all tour dates and media appearances.
