David Anthony Burke, the 21-year-old singer known as D4vd, was arrested by Los Angeles police on Thursday afternoon in connection with the 2025 killing of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose dismembered body was found in the trunk of his Tesla last September. Burke, who performs under the stage name D4vd, is being held without bail as the case moves toward a district attorney review on Monday that will determine whether formal charges are filed. The arrest marks the first time law enforcement has taken custody in a case that began with a foul odor reported from an abandoned vehicle in the Hollywood Hills and has since drawn attention from the victim’s Lake Elsinore community and the entertainment industry.
The family of Celeste Rivas Hernandez plans to give its first public statement on Monday following the district attorney’s press conference, according to their attorney, Patrick Steinfeld. Speaking outside the courthouse, the family intends to attend Burke’s arraignment if charges are filed and emphasized their commitment to ensuring Celeste’s voice is heard throughout the legal process. Her parents and sister will be present, Steinfeld confirmed, signaling a unified effort to seek accountability in a case that has lingered for months without public comment from the victim’s relatives.
Burke’s legal team, comprising attorneys Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski, and Regina Peter, issued a joint statement maintaining his innocence and asserting that the evidence will present he did not cause Hernandez’s death. They noted that no grand jury has returned an indictment and no criminal complaint has been filed, characterizing his detention as based on suspicion alone. The defense’s position contrasts sharply with the LAPD’s announcement that Burke was arrested for murder, highlighting an early divergence in how the case is being framed by opposing sides.
Details of the arrest itself reveal a high-profile operation typical of LAPD’s handling of sensitive cases in affluent areas. Detectives from the Robbery Homicide Division, supported by heavily armed units from the Gang and Narcotics Division, approached Burke’s home on a tree-lined street off Sunset Boulevard — a corridor where celebrities like Kendall Jenner and Emily Blunt have resided. After a procession of police vehicles blocked access, officers used a handheld battering ram to breach the front gate before Burke surrendered at approximately 5 p.m. He was subsequently booked at the 77th Street jail.
The timeline of the investigation traces back to August 27, when Los Angeles parking officials first ticketed a Tesla in the Hollywood Hills neighborhood that residents suspected had been abandoned. On September 8, a foul odor prompted deputies to inspect the vehicle at Hollywood Tow, where they discovered Hernandez’s severely decomposed remains in the front trunk, placed inside a bag. The car was registered to Burke in Hempstead, Texas, and had been impounded after being left unattended for several days. A search warrant was served at his Doheny Drive residence on September 18, during which electronics and computers were seized.
Hernandez, a 14-year-old from Lake Elsinore, was last seen in April 2024, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, and was reported missing later that year. Her body was found months after her disappearance, and as of September 9, the case was still being treated as a death investigation pending determination of manner of death. Following the discovery, Burke canceled his U.S. Tour and delayed promotion of his deluxe album, a move noted by industry observers as an unusual retreat from public activity for an emerging artist.
In Lake Elsinore, a memorial of candles, flowers, and photographs has remained outside Hernandez’s home since shortly after her body was found, maintained by neighbors who knew her. Kayleigh Cortez, who started the tribute, said she added lights spelling Celeste’s name after learning of Burke’s arrest, describing the moment as a personal call to action for justice. Across the street, Jamxie Roman recalled waving to Hernandez as a neighbor and expressed hope that the arrest would bring the family closer to closure, while emphasizing the need to respect their grief.
A secret investigative grand jury was convened by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office in mid-November to evaluate evidence in the case, including witness testimony, though its proceedings and findings have not been disclosed. The grand jury’s existence suggests prosecutors have been weighing complex factors behind the scenes, even as public details remain scarce. The upcoming district attorney press conference on Monday is expected to clarify whether the investigation will result in formal charges.
What charges could D4vd face, and when will they be announced?
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office will decide on Monday whether to file formal charges against David Anthony Burke following the presentation of the case by LAPD. If charges are pursued, they would likely include murder, though the specific degree has not been indicated in any of the sources. The announcement is expected to approach during a press conference after which the victim’s family will speak publicly.
Why was D4vd arrested without bail?
Burke is being held without bail due to the seriousness of the alleged offense — murder in connection with the death of a minor — and standard protocol in Los Angeles County for violent felony cases where prosecutors argue the defendant poses a flight risk or danger to the community. The judge’s decision reflects the gravity of the allegations, though no conviction has occurred.
What evidence led to the arrest?
Authorities have not released specific details about the evidence that prompted Burke’s arrest, and neither the LAPD nor the district attorney’s office has disclosed what forensic, digital, or testimonial information linked him to the crime. His attorneys have stated they believe the evidence will ultimately show he did not cause Hernandez’s death.
How has the community responded to the arrest?
In Lake Elsinore, neighbors have maintained a memorial at Hernandez’s home for months, describing her as a kind and friendly girl who waved to those she passed. Kayleigh Cortez, a neighbor who started the tribute, said the arrest gave her renewed motivation to seek justice. In Hollywood, the arrest drew attention due to the high-profile nature of the operation and the celebrity-filled location of Burke’s residence, though no public statements from entertainment figures have been noted in the sources.
