Singer D4vd, the real name of 21-year-old David Anthony Burke, has been taken into custody in relation to 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 found in an seized car in Los Angeles, with the case scheduled to be presented to the LA District Attorney’s Office on Monday for filing consideration.
The Finding and Initial Inquiry
The body of Celese Rivas Hernandez was found in the front boot of a Tesla that had been deserted on a Hollywood street and subsequently confiscated in Los Angeles. Authorities became alerted to the vehicle after detecting a distinctive unpleasant smell coming from the impound lot, where the Tesla had been kept for two days. The discovery prompted an immediate probe that would eventually lead to Burke being designated as a suspect in November 2025, though formal arrest proceedings would not occur until April 2026.
Investigators determined that Hernandez’s remains had been cut into pieces, and preliminary findings suggested that the removal of her remains apparently necessitated more than one person. The Tesla under investigation was registered to Burke, creating a direct connection between the car and the suspect. When the body was found, Burke was on tour promoting his music, with the shocking revelation prompting the swift cancellation of his remaining North American tour dates and his entire European leg.
- Body located in Tesla boot after bad odour noticed
- Vehicle deserted on Hollywood street, impounded for 48 hours
- Remains displayed signs of severing, pointing to several offenders
- Tesla in the name of Burke, creating important investigative link
From Person of Interest to Arrest
The seven-month gap between the discovery of Celese Rivas Hernandez’s remains and the apprehension of D4vd illustrates the intricacy of the inquiry. Burke was first identified as a person of interest in November 2025, several months following the teenager’s body was discovered in September. However, law enforcement needed considerable period to collect sufficient evidence and establish reasonable grounds before making an arrest. The LA Police Department has now assembled its evidence file, which will be presented to the DA’s Office on Monday for formal filing consideration and potential charges.
Burke’s arrest constitutes a significant development in a case that stunned the music world and his large online audience. The 21-year-old singer, who had cultivated a large audience through viral TikTok content, is currently being held in custody awaiting trial. The arrest was initially disclosed by ABC News and constitutes the culmination of months of investigative work by the Los Angeles Police Department, bringing the case closer to potential prosecution and accountability for the victim’s family.
Events Timeline
The case started emerging in September 2025 when Hernandez’s decomposed body was found in the Tesla’s front boot. Burke was named as a suspect by November 2025, prompting 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 and Online Presence
D4vd, the professional moniker of 21-year-old David Anthony Burke, had established a considerable following on social media platforms, particularly on TikTok where his material went viral. The LA-based singer had developed a devoted fanbase through his digital footprint, leveraging the platform’s reach to establish himself within the entertainment industry. His ascent to prominence was characteristic of the contemporary digital landscape, where artists can attract substantial audiences without conventional label support or traditional broadcast exposure.
Burke’s apprehension has reverberated across the influencer and entertainment communities, with major influencers expressing their disbelief at the claims. Pokimane and other well-known influencers who had formerly worked together with Burke on content expressed shock upon discovering his connection to the case. The performer’s dramatic downfall from online prominence to grave legal accusations demonstrates the sharp divide between his online persona and the weight of the allegations he now is dealing with.
- Built substantial audience on TikTok with significant digital reach
- Collaborated with notable influencers alongside Pokimane on streaming content
- Established Los Angeles-based music career via streaming services and digital footprint
Industry Response and Tour Cancellations
The finding of Hernandez’s body in September 2025 prompted an swift and thorough action from the entertainment industry. D4vd’s tour dates was swiftly dismantled, with all remaining North American dates scrapped along with the complete European portion of his tour. The rapid response reflected the seriousness of the claims and the industry’s need to distance itself from the case. Venues, promoters, and fellow artists who had been linked to Burke’s touring commitments moved quickly to break professional connections, acknowledging the serious weight of the events connected to the teenager’s death and the implications for their own reputations.
The cancellations represented a significant financial and professional blow to Burke’s flourishing career. What had been a favourable path for the young musician came to an abrupt halt as the entertainment industry contended with the shocking nature of the allegations. Entertainment figures and other online creators confronted challenging questions about their earlier links with Burke, whilst digital platforms and venues that had featured his content faced scrutiny. The incident demonstrated the volatile character of social media fame 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 Comes Next
The Los Angeles Police Department will submit its case to the LA District Attorney’s Office on Monday, 21 April 2026, representing a pivotal moment in the prosecution’s efforts. The District Attorney will review the evidence and probable cause that led to Burke’s arrest before deciding whether formal charges will be brought. This charging decision represents the next important stage in the judicial process, as prosecutors must decide on the specific charges to bring against Burke. The decision from the District Attorney’s Office will substantially influence the trajectory of the case and the severity of allegations Burke will face in court.
Burke stays in custody on remand as the legal process continues. The investigation into Hernandez’s death, which initially suggested the involvement of multiple individuals in the body’s disposal, may yet incriminate additional suspects. Authorities will continue gathering evidence and conducting interviews as the case progresses through the courts. The coming weeks will be crucial in establishing the complete facts relating to the teenager’s death and determining the degree of Burke’s responsibility in what has become one of the most striking incidents to emerge from Los Angeles’s entertainment scene in recent years.