Los Angeles, California — A shocking development has emerged in Southern California, where rising music artist and social media personality D4vd has been arrested in connection with the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The case, which had remained unresolved for months, has now taken a dramatic turn as investigators move forward with serious allegations.
What Happened
According to officials from the Los Angeles Police Department, 21-year-old David Burke—known publicly as D4vd—was taken into custody on Thursday evening. He was arrested at a residence in the Hollywood Hills without incident after detectives gathered sufficient evidence to support a probable cause warrant.
Authorities say the case dates back to 2024, when Celeste was reported missing after she was last seen in the Lake Elsinore area on April 5. At the time, details surrounding her disappearance were unclear, leaving her family searching for answers.
Discovery That Changed the Case
The investigation took a grim turn months later. On September 8, 2025, workers at a towing company discovered a strong odor coming from an abandoned Tesla vehicle in the Hollywood Hills. The car was registered to Burke.
Upon inspection, police found decomposed human remains inside the front trunk (frunk) of the vehicle. Forensic analysis later confirmed the remains belonged to Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Authorities noted that the remains were found in a severely decomposed state, complicating early efforts to determine the cause of death.
Investigation and Arrest
The Los Angeles Police Department stated that detectives carefully built the case over several months, ensuring evidence was not compromised. Burke had previously been identified as a suspect in November, but officials delayed the arrest while continuing their investigation.
He is currently being held without bail. The case is expected to be reviewed by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, which will decide whether formal charges will be filed.
Law enforcement sources have also indicated that more than one individual may have been involved, though no additional arrests have been made so far.
Family, Community Reaction
The arrest has brought a wave of emotions in Celeste’s community. Neighbors and supporters had been advocating for justice for months, even setting up memorials to honor her memory.
For many, the news of the arrest brought both relief and renewed grief, as the tragic details of the case continue to unfold.
Defense Responds
Burke’s legal team has strongly denied the allegations. In a public statement, his attorneys said there is no conclusive evidence proving he caused the teenager’s death and emphasized that no formal charges have yet been filed.
They also stated that Burke has only been detained under suspicion and vowed to fight the case in court.
About D4vd
Before his arrest, D4vd had built a significant following online, especially on TikTok, where his music gained viral attention. His rise to fame included hit songs and a growing fanbase, leading to major record deals and a debut album release in 2025.
What Happens Next
The case remains under active investigation. Prosecutors will review all available evidence in the coming days to determine whether to formally charge Burke.
Officials have not yet released details about the exact cause of death or the events leading up to Celeste’s disappearance. Authorities continue to urge anyone with additional information to come forward.
As the legal process unfolds, this case is expected to remain in the spotlight, raising serious questions and drawing national attention.
