Singer D4vd, the real name 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 discovered in the boot of a Tesla in September 2025. The Los Angeles-situated musician, who has accumulated a substantial following on social media through viral TikTok videos, is currently being detained on no bail after the arrest founded upon reported evidence and reasonable grounds. The arrest comes seven months after Hernandez’s body were found in an seized car in Los Angeles, with the case scheduled to be submitted to the LA District Attorney’s Office on Monday for filing consideration.
The Identification and Initial Examination
The body of Celese Rivas Hernandez was discovered in the front boot of a Tesla that had been abandoned on a Hollywood street and subsequently seized in Los Angeles. Authorities became alerted to the vehicle after detecting a distinctive foul odour emanating from the impound lot, where the Tesla had been stored for two days. The discovery prompted an immediate inquiry that would eventually culminate in Burke being designated as a suspect in November 2025, though formal arrest proceedings would not follow until April 2026.
Investigators concluded that Hernandez’s remains had been cut into pieces, and preliminary findings 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 straightforward tie between the car and the suspect. Upon discovery, Burke was touring to promote his work, with the startling discovery resulting in the swift cancellation of his remaining North American tour dates and his full European dates.
- Body found in Tesla boot after bad odour noticed
- Vehicle abandoned on Hollywood street, impounded for 48 hours
- Remains revealed signs of mutilation, pointing to more than one person
- Tesla in the name of Burke, establishing crucial investigative link
From Suspect to Apprehension
The seven-month interval between the finding of Celese Rivas Hernandez’s remains and the arrest of D4vd highlights the intricacy of the inquiry. Burke was first identified as a person of interest in November 2025, months after the teenager’s body was found in September. However, authorities required considerable period to gather enough proof and establish probable cause before proceeding with 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 possible prosecution.
Burke’s arrest represents a significant development in a case that stunned the entertainment industry and his substantial social media following. The 21-year-old artist, who had built a sizable following through popular short-form videos, is currently being held in custody awaiting trial. The arrest was first reported by ABC News and represents the result of extensive of investigative work by the Los Angeles Police Department, moving the matter closer to possible charges and justice for the victim’s loved ones.
Timeline of Events
The case started emerging in September 2025 when Hernandez’s decomposed body was located in the Tesla’s front boot. Burke was flagged as a suspect by November 2025, prompting the cancellation of his concert dates. The formal arrest happened in April 2026, seven months after the initial discovery, with the District Attorney’s Office set to receive the case file on Monday for review of formal charges against the artist.
The Creator’s Background, plus Online Presence
D4vd, the professional moniker of 21-year-old David Anthony Burke, had built a substantial following on social media platforms, particularly on TikTok where his content went viral. The LA-based artist had cultivated a loyal fanbase through his digital footprint, leveraging the platform’s reach to carve out a niche within the entertainment industry. His ascent to prominence was characteristic of the modern digital age, where musicians can attract substantial audiences without traditional record label backing or mainstream media exposure.
Burke’s arrest has sent shockwaves through the influencer and entertainment sectors, with well-known streamers conveying their astonishment at the allegations. Pokimane and other popular streamers who had formerly worked together with Burke on content registered dismay upon becoming aware of his connection to the case. The performer’s dramatic downfall from digital stardom to major criminal allegations underscores the stark contrast between his public-facing identity and the seriousness of the charges he now faces.
- Built substantial audience on TikTok with significant digital reach
- Collaborated with notable influencers such as Pokimane on digital content
- Built Los Angeles-based musical endeavours across digital platforms and digital footprint
Sector Reaction and Tour Cancellations
The finding of Hernandez’s body in September 2025 triggered an immediate and comprehensive response from the music sector. D4vd’s touring schedule was swiftly dismantled, with all outstanding US and Canadian shows cancelled alongside the complete European portion of his tour. The rapid response demonstrated the seriousness of the claims and the sector’s requirement to separate itself from the case. Concert halls, tour promoters, and other performers who had been associated with Burke’s touring commitments moved quickly to break professional connections, acknowledging the profound gravity of the events connected to the teenager’s death and the implications for their own reputations.
The cancellations represented a substantial monetary and career blow to Burke’s rapidly expanding career. What had been a strong trajectory for the young musician came to an abrupt halt as the entertainment industry grappled with the alarming extent of the allegations. Sector professionals and other online creators encountered tough scrutiny about their earlier links with Burke, whilst streaming services and performance spaces that had featured his content faced scrutiny. The incident demonstrated the uncertain dynamics of digital prominence and the serious repercussions 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 |
The Next Steps
The Los Angeles Police Department will present its case to the LA District Attorney’s Office on 21 April 2026, representing a critical juncture in the prosecutorial process. The District Attorney will examine the evidence supporting probable cause that resulted in Burke’s arrest before determining whether official charges will be filed. This filing consideration constitutes the next important stage in the judicial process, as prosecutors must determine the specific charges to pursue. The ruling by the District Attorney’s Office will substantially influence the direction the case takes and the severity of allegations Burke will encounter in legal proceedings.
Burke remains in custody on remand as the legal process advances. The investigation into Hernandez’s death, which first indicated the participation of several people in the body’s disposal, may yet implicate further individuals. Authorities will continue gathering information and conducting interviews as the case moves forward in the courts. The weeks ahead will be crucial in determining the full circumstances relating to the teenager’s death and determining the degree of Burke’s responsibility in what has become one of the most shocking cases to emerge from Los Angeles’s entertainment scene in the past few years.