Singer D4vd, the actual identity of 21-year-old David Anthony Burke, has been arrested 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 amassed a considerable fanbase on online platforms through viral TikTok videos, is currently being detained without bail after the arrest founded upon reported evidence and reasonable grounds. The arrest comes seven months after Hernandez’s body were discovered in an seized car in Los Angeles, with the case scheduled to be submitted to the LA District Attorney’s Office on Monday for prosecution review.
The Finding and Preliminary Examination
The body of Celese Rivas Hernandez was located in the front boot of a Tesla that had been left on a Hollywood street and subsequently impounded in Los Angeles. Authorities became aware of the vehicle after identifying a distinctive unpleasant smell coming from the impound lot, where the Tesla had been stored for two days. The discovery sparked an immediate inquiry that would eventually result in Burke being designated as a suspect in November 2025, though legal arrest processes would not take place until April 2026.
Investigators established that Hernandez’s remains had been cut into pieces, and preliminary findings suggested that the disposal of her body likely involved more than one person. The Tesla under investigation was listed under the name of Burke, establishing 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 leading to the swift cancellation of his final North American shows and his full European dates.
- Body located in Tesla boot after foul odour noticed
- Vehicle left on Hollywood street, seized for two days
- Remains displayed signs of dismemberment, pointing to several offenders
- Tesla in the name of Burke, forming crucial investigative link
From Suspect to Arrest
The seven-month interval between the discovery of Celese Rivas Hernandez’s remains and the apprehension of D4vd highlights the complexity of the inquiry. Burke was initially named as a person of interest in November 2025, months after the teenager’s body was discovered in September. However, law enforcement required substantial time to gather sufficient evidence and demonstrate reasonable grounds before proceeding with an arrest. The LA Police Department has now assembled its case, which will be presented to the DA’s Office on Monday for formal filing consideration and potential charges.
Burke’s arrest constitutes a major milestone in a case that shocked the music world and his substantial social media following. The 21-year-old artist, who had built a large audience through viral TikTok content, is currently being held without bail pending further legal proceedings. The arrest was first reported by ABC News and constitutes the culmination of months investigation efforts by the LAPD, bringing the case closer to potential prosecution and justice for the victim’s family.
Sequence of Events
The case began unfolding 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, resulting in 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 consideration of formal charges against the performer.
The Artist’s Background, plus Social Media 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 via 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 musicians can gain substantial audiences without traditional record label backing or mainstream media exposure.
Burke’s apprehension has sent shockwaves through the content creation and media spheres, with well-known streamers voicing their shock at the accusations. Pokimane and other well-known influencers who had earlier partnered with Burke on projects registered dismay upon learning of his link to the allegations. The musician’s rapid fall from online prominence to serious criminal charges highlights the marked difference between his public-facing identity and the seriousness of the charges he now faces.
- Created significant presence on TikTok with substantial online following
- Worked with prominent influencers alongside Pokimane on streaming content
- Established Los Angeles-based music career through digital platforms and online presence
Industry Response and Concert Cancellations
The finding of Hernandez’s body in September 2025 triggered an swift and thorough response from the entertainment industry. D4vd’s tour dates was rapidly cancelled, with all remaining North American dates cancelled alongside the entire European leg of his tour. The swift action demonstrated the severity of the allegations and the sector’s requirement to separate itself from the case. Venues, promoters, and fellow artists who had been associated with Burke’s tour obligations moved quickly to sever professional ties, acknowledging the profound gravity of the events connected to the teenager’s death and the consequences for their own public standing.
The cancellations amounted to a substantial monetary and career blow to Burke’s flourishing career. What had been a strong trajectory for the young musician came to an abrupt halt as the creative sector grappled with the shocking nature of the allegations. Sector professionals and other online creators confronted challenging questions about their previous associations with Burke, whilst digital platforms and venues that had hosted his performances underwent investigation. The incident highlighted the uncertain dynamics of social media fame and the far-reaching impact when grave criminal accusations 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, representing a pivotal moment in the prosecution’s efforts. The District Attorney will examine the evidence supporting probable cause that resulted in Burke’s arrest before determining whether formal charges will be filed. This charging decision constitutes the next significant milestone in the legal proceedings, as prosecutors must determine the particular charges to bring against Burke. The decision from the District Attorney’s Office will significantly affect the direction the case takes and the seriousness of charges Burke will encounter in legal proceedings.
Burke remains in custody on remand as the judicial proceedings continues. The investigation into Hernandez’s death, which first indicated the involvement of multiple individuals in the remains’ removal, may yet incriminate additional suspects. Authorities will keep collecting evidence and carrying out interviews as the case moves forward in the courts. The weeks ahead will prove decisive in establishing the full circumstances surrounding the teenager’s death and ascertaining 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 recent years.