Police announce the arrest in Los Angeles
Singer D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, was arrested by the Los Angeles Police Department on Thursday, April 16, 2026, due to being connected with the death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez. According to authorities, the 21-year-old artist is being held without bail. In addition, the LAPD said the case is expected to be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office on Monday for consideration of filing. At this moment, authorities have not announced formal charges, and prosecutors said they still need to review the facts and evidence before making a final decision.
“The case is expected to be presented to the Major Crimes Division, at which point prosecutors will review the facts and evidence to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to file charge. At this time, additional information is not available. We will share an update on Monday once a filing decision has been made.”
Investigators link the arrest to a 2025 discovery
This arrest took place months after Celeste Rivas Hernandez was found dead on September 8, 2025, in the trunk of an impounded Tesla registered to D4vd. Police said officers responded after a foul odor was reported coming from the car. Allegedly, the vehicle had been abandoned in the Hollywood Hills for about a month before it was found. Investigators later identified D4vd as a target in a grand jury investigation. Prosecutors had previously said he might be involved in the death of the 14-year-old girl, who had turned 15 just one day earlier.
His defense denies that he caused her death
D4vd’s attorneys vehemently denied the accusations of his being linked to the teenager’s death after the arrest. In a statement, they said the evidence will show that David Burke did not murder Celeste Rivas Hernandez and was not responsible for her death. They also stated that no indictment has been returned and no criminal complaint has been filed. According to them, D4vd has only been detained under suspicion at the moment. His defense said they plan to defend him aggressively as the case moves forward and prosecutors decide whether to file charges.
“There has been no indictment returned by any grand jury in this case and no criminal complaint filed. David has only been detained under suspicion. We will vigorously defend David’s innocence.”
