Tessa Everly
D4vd (whose real name is David Anthony Burke), once a promising star in the R&B music scene, found himself at the center of a shocking legal saga after his arrest in April 2026. This arrest is linked to the tragic murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. As the details surrounding this case began to unfold, the public was captivated by the grisly circumstances, including the chilling cause of death and the serious charges that have been brought against him.
According to the prosecution’s claims, Burke allegedly took the life of the teenager in April 2025. After committing this heinous act, he is accused of concealing her remains in a vehicle, where they remained undiscovered for several months until their grim discovery in September 2025. Investigators are diligently working to construct a comprehensive timeline of events as this multifaceted investigation continues to evolve.
Burke faces severe repercussions, having been formally charged with first-degree murder alongside additional felony charges. These include continuous sexual abuse of a minor and unlawful mutilation of human remains. He entered a plea of not guilty on April 20 and is currently incarcerated without bail as the judicial proceedings advance. As of now, a verdict has not yet been reached in this high-stakes trial.
The following paragraphs will delve into the important details surrounding D4vd’s arrest, the horrific case involving Celeste Rivas, and the latest updates available to the public.
How Old Is D4vd the Singer?
D4vd is currently 21 years old, having been born on March 28, 2005. His age places him within a unique demographic of young artists in the competitive music industry, contributing to the intrigue surrounding his rise and fall amid serious legal troubles.
When Was D4vd Arrested?
The arrest of D4vd took place on April 16, 2026. According to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), he is being held without bail, indicating the gravity of the charges against him and the potential flight risk he poses due to the serious nature of the allegations.
Why Was D4vd Arrested?
The grounds for D4vd’s arrest stem from his suspected involvement in the murder of Celeste Rivas, a teenager whose remains, in a disturbing state of decomposition, were found in the trunk of his abandoned Tesla last year. This shocking revelation has sent ripples through the community and drawn significant media attention.
Was D4vd Found Guilty?
At the time of this publication, D4vd has not been found guilty of any crime. Authorities indicated that his arrest was based on “probable cause,” which means that they believe sufficient evidence exists to warrant further legal action against him.
The legal team representing D4vd, which includes attorneys Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski, and Regina Peter, has publicly stated their commitment to vigorously defending his innocence throughout the legal proceedings. Their focus is on ensuring that justice is served and that their client receives a fair trial.
In a statement following D4vd’s arrest, his attorneys emphasized their belief in his innocence, asserting, “Let us be clear — the actual evidence in this case will show that David Burke did not murder Celeste Rivas Hernandez and he was not the cause of her death.” They also pointed out that no grand jury has returned an indictment, nor has any formal criminal complaint been filed against him, highlighting that he is merely being held on suspicion.
On April 20, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced during a press conference that D4vd would face charges of first-degree murder, which could potentially lead to the death penalty, showcasing the seriousness of the legal implications surrounding this case.
What Happened to Celeste Rivas?
Following D4vd’s arrest, new and disturbing details have emerged regarding the case of Celeste Rivas. Authorities have confirmed that the 14-year-old girl died from “multiple penetrating injuries caused by object(s),” and the official ruling categorizes her death as a homicide, amplifying the urgency and public interest in the investigation.
On September 8, 2025, police made a grim discovery when they found a decomposed head and torso in a black bag located in the trunk of D4vd’s abandoned Tesla. Disturbingly, another bag contained additional body parts, heightening the horror of this situation and raising numerous questions about what transpired.
Rivas had been reported missing from Lake Elsinore, California, in 2024, according to multiple news outlets, which adds complexity to the timeline of events and raises concerns about her safety leading up to her tragic death.
How Did Celeste Rivas Know D4vd?
As of now, authorities have not confirmed any definitive evidence establishing a relationship between Celeste Rivas and D4vd. However, speculation has arisen due to a leaked song from D4vd, titled “Celeste_Demo unfin.” This track circulated online in late 2023 and contains several references to a girl named Celeste, stirring curiosity and concern.
In the unreleased song, he sings, “Oh, Celeste / The girl with my name tattooed on her chest.” The lyrics continue to paint an intimate picture, with lines expressing an obsession, including, “Smell her on my clothes like cigarettes / I hear her voice each time I take a breath.” This lyrical content has led to further scrutiny regarding the nature of his connection to Rivas.
Moreover, several reports indicate that D4vd was seen near Rivas’ residence shortly before her disappearance in April 2024, prompting further investigation into their possible interactions leading up to this tragic event.
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