LOS ANGELES — Rising indie-pop star D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, has been arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with the death of a teenage girl whose remains were found in a vehicle registered to him.
Burke, 21, was taken into custody by the Los Angeles Police Department on April 16 and is being held without bail. Detectives from the LAPD Robbery-Homicide Division arrested him at a home in the Hollywood Hills shortly after 4:30 p.m. Video footage shows heavily armed officers leading him away in handcuffs.
Discovery of Remains
The investigation traces back to September 2025, when a Tesla registered to Burke was towed from a Los Angeles street to an impound lot.
Workers at the facility contacted police after noticing a strong odor coming from the vehicle. Responding officers discovered dismembered, badly decomposed human remains inside, wrapped in a bag.
Authorities later identified the victim as Celeste Rivas Hernandez, a teenage girl from Lake Elsinore who had been reported missing in 2024.
Investigators believe the remains had been inside the vehicle for an extended period, complicating efforts to establish a clear timeline or determine a cause of death.
Ongoing Investigation
Police have not publicly detailed the full scope of the evidence against Burke, but he has been described as a central suspect in the case.
According to reporting, Hernandez was last seen planning to meet Burke prior to her disappearance. Officials have confirmed that the two were in a relationship.
The investigation has been active for months, and Burke had previously been identified as a person of interest before his arrest.
Sources also said that last fall, detectives removed a computer and other items from a Hollywood Hills property where Burke is believed to have stayed.
Legal Status and Defense
Burke has not been formally charged. Prosecutors are expected to review the case in the coming days to determine whether charges will be filed.
His attorneys said Burke denies any involvement in the teen’s death.
“The evidence in this case will show that David Burke did not murder Celeste Rivas Hernandez and was not the cause of her death,” the singer’s legal team said.
Authorities said a decision on charges will be made following that review.
Disturbing Details Emerge
Investigators noted that Hernandez had a tattoo on her right index finger reading “Shhh…” — a marking also seen on Burke.
The case has also drawn attention to lyrics from Burke’s breakout song “Romantic Homicide,” which include the line: “In the back of my mind I killed you / And I didn’t even regret it.”
While there is no indication the lyrics are connected to the case, they have fueled public speculation online.
Rising Profile Adds National Attention
Burke built a large Gen Z and Gen Alpha following with hits such as “Here With Me” and “Romantic Homicide,” each surpassing one billion streams.
His arrest has drawn national attention, both because of his rising prominence in the music industry and the serious nature of the allegations.
The case remains under investigation.
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