Singer D4vd, the actual identity of 21-year-old David Anthony Burke, has been arrested in connection with the death of 15-year-old Celese Rivas Hernandez, whose remains was found in the boot of a Tesla in September 2025. The Los Angeles-situated musician, who has accumulated a substantial following on social media through popular TikTok content, is currently being held without bail following the apprehension founded upon alleged evidence and probable cause. The arrest comes seven months after Hernandez’s remains were discovered in an seized car in Los Angeles, with the case set to be presented to the LA District Attorney’s Office on Monday for prosecution review.
The Finding and Initial Inquiry
The body of Celese Rivas Hernandez was found in the front boot of a Tesla that had been abandoned on a Hollywood street and subsequently seized in Los Angeles. Authorities became aware of the vehicle after identifying a distinctive putrid stench originating in the impound lot, where the Tesla had been stored for two days. The discovery prompted an immediate probe that would eventually result in Burke being identified as a suspect in November 2025, though legal arrest processes would not follow until April 2026.
Investigators established that Hernandez’s remains had been cut into pieces, and initial assessments suggested that the disposal of her body probably required more than one individual. The Tesla under investigation was listed under the name of Burke, creating a clear link between the vehicle and the suspect. At the time of the discovery, Burke was on tour promoting his work, with the shocking revelation leading to the prompt cancellation of his final North American shows and his full European dates.
- Body located in Tesla boot after bad odour detected
- Vehicle deserted on Hollywood street, impounded for 48 hours
- Remains revealed signs of dismemberment, indicating more than one person
- Tesla registered to Burke, forming crucial investigative link
From Person of Interest to Arrest
The seven-month period between the discovery of Celese Rivas Hernandez’s remains and the apprehension of D4vd highlights the complexity of the investigation. Burke was first identified as a person of interest in November 2025, several months following the young person’s remains was discovered in September. However, law enforcement needed considerable period to gather sufficient evidence and demonstrate probable cause before making an arrest. The LA Police Department has now assembled its evidence file, which will be submitted to the District Attorney’s Office on Monday for official review and potential charges.
Burke’s arrest represents a major milestone in a case that stunned the entertainment industry and his large online audience. The 21-year-old artist, who had built a large audience through popular short-form videos, is currently being held in custody pending further legal proceedings. The arrest was initially disclosed by ABC News and represents the culmination of months investigation efforts by the Los Angeles Police Department, moving the matter closer to potential prosecution and justice for the victim’s family.
Events Timeline
The case came to light in September 2025 when Hernandez’s decomposed body was discovered in the Tesla’s front boot. Burke was identified as a suspect by November 2025, leading to the cancellation of his performance schedule. The formal arrest occurred in April 2026, seven months after the initial discovery, with the District Attorney’s Office due to receive the case file on Monday for consideration of formal charges against the musician.
The Creator’s Background, plus Social Media Presence
D4vd, the professional moniker of 21-year-old David Anthony Burke, had built a substantial following across social media platforms, especially on TikTok where his content went viral. The LA-based singer had developed a loyal fanbase through his online presence, utilising the platform’s reach to carve out a niche within the entertainment industry. His ascent to prominence was characteristic of the contemporary digital landscape, where artists can gain large followings without traditional record label backing or traditional broadcast exposure.
Burke’s detention has created upheaval within the influencer and entertainment sectors, with prominent content creators voicing their shock at the claims. Pokimane and fellow prominent creators who had previously collaborated with Burke on material voiced surprise upon learning of his involvement in the matter. The artist’s swift decline from digital stardom to serious criminal charges underscores the stark contrast between his public-facing identity and the seriousness of the charges he now faces.
- Built significant presence on TikTok with considerable digital reach
- Collaborated with well-known influencers including Pokimane on digital content
- Built LA-based music presence through online channels and digital footprint
Industry Response and Performance Postponements
The finding of Hernandez’s body in September 2025 prompted an swift and thorough response from the music sector. D4vd’s touring schedule was swiftly dismantled, with all outstanding US and Canadian shows scrapped alongside the entire European leg of his tour. The swift action demonstrated the seriousness of the claims and the industry’s need to distance itself from the case. Concert halls, tour promoters, and other performers who had been linked to Burke’s tour obligations acted swiftly to break professional connections, acknowledging the profound gravity of the events connected to the teenager’s death and the consequences for their own reputations.
The cancellations represented a significant financial and professional blow to Burke’s rapidly expanding career. What had been a favourable path for the emerging artist came to an abrupt halt as the creative sector dealt with the alarming extent of the allegations. Sector professionals and other online creators faced difficult questions about their previous associations with Burke, whilst streaming services and performance spaces that had featured his content underwent investigation. The incident underscored the unpredictable nature of online celebrity and the potential consequences when serious criminal allegations emerge against well-known internet personalities.
| Event | Status |
|---|---|
| North American Tour Dates | Cancelled |
| European Tour Leg | Cancelled |
| Social Media Collaborations | Suspended |
| Professional Endorsements | Terminated |
What’s Coming
The Los Angeles Police Department will present its case to the LA District Attorney’s Office on 21 April 2026, marking a pivotal moment in the prosecutorial process. The District Attorney will examine the evidence supporting probable cause that resulted in Burke’s arrest before determining whether formal charges will be brought. This charging decision constitutes the next important stage in the legal proceedings, as prosecutors must determine the specific charges to pursue. The decision from the District Attorney’s Office will significantly affect the trajectory of the case and the severity of allegations Burke will encounter in legal proceedings.
Burke remains in custody without bail as the legal process advances. The investigation into Hernandez’s death, which initially suggested the involvement of multiple individuals in the body’s disposal, may yet implicate additional suspects. Authorities will keep collecting information and conducting interviews as the case moves forward in the criminal justice system. The coming weeks will prove decisive in establishing the full circumstances surrounding the teenager’s death and determining the extent of Burke’s culpability in what has become one of the most shocking cases to come out of the Los Angeles entertainment world in recent years.