LOS ANGELES (AP) — Singer D4vd, whose real name is David Burke, was arrested on suspicion of murdering 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose decomposed body was discovered seven months ago in his abandoned Tesla, police reported. This shocking development marks a significant turn in an ongoing investigation that previously kept D4vd’s involvement under wraps until now.
Los Angeles police stated in a brief announcement that Burke, who has found fame as a 21-year-old alt-pop artist, was taken into custody in relation to an investigation concerning the tragic death of Rivas Hernandez. Defending his character, Burke's legal team firmly expressed that the evidence will exonerate him, emphasizing that he is not responsible for her demise.
In a statement, defense lawyers Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski, and Regina Peter asserted: 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.
Authorities indicated they plan to bring the case to prosecutors at the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office on Monday. The office confirmed that they are aware of the arrest and their Major Crimes Division will assess whether there is sufficient evidence for charges.
Previously, D4vd had been under scrutiny by a grand jury regarding the death of Rivas Hernandez. The existence of this investigation came to light when Burke’s family filed a legal objection in Texas against subpoenas demanding their testimonies.
Celeste's remains were discovered inside a Tesla registered in Burke's name, abandoned in the Hollywood Hills. The car had been towed from a high-end neighborhood, and its findings were grim; initial inspections revealed a cadaver bag emitting a strong odor of decay. As investigators delved deeper, they uncovered severed body parts inside the bag, although no cause of death has yet been officially determined.
Burke rose to prominence among Gen Z audiences, thanks to his hit Romantic Homicide, which went viral on TikTok in 2022 and climbed to No. 4 on Billboard's Hot Rock & Alternative Songs. With recent album releases, including "Petals to Thorns," he had been on a concert tour before these shocking events occurred, necessitating the cancellation of upcoming shows in North America and Europe.
Los Angeles police stated in a brief announcement that Burke, who has found fame as a 21-year-old alt-pop artist, was taken into custody in relation to an investigation concerning the tragic death of Rivas Hernandez. Defending his character, Burke's legal team firmly expressed that the evidence will exonerate him, emphasizing that he is not responsible for her demise.
In a statement, defense lawyers Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski, and Regina Peter asserted: 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.
Authorities indicated they plan to bring the case to prosecutors at the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office on Monday. The office confirmed that they are aware of the arrest and their Major Crimes Division will assess whether there is sufficient evidence for charges.
Previously, D4vd had been under scrutiny by a grand jury regarding the death of Rivas Hernandez. The existence of this investigation came to light when Burke’s family filed a legal objection in Texas against subpoenas demanding their testimonies.
Celeste's remains were discovered inside a Tesla registered in Burke's name, abandoned in the Hollywood Hills. The car had been towed from a high-end neighborhood, and its findings were grim; initial inspections revealed a cadaver bag emitting a strong odor of decay. As investigators delved deeper, they uncovered severed body parts inside the bag, although no cause of death has yet been officially determined.
Burke rose to prominence among Gen Z audiences, thanks to his hit Romantic Homicide, which went viral on TikTok in 2022 and climbed to No. 4 on Billboard's Hot Rock & Alternative Songs. With recent album releases, including "Petals to Thorns," he had been on a concert tour before these shocking events occurred, necessitating the cancellation of upcoming shows in North America and Europe.
