The American singer D4vd, legal name David Anthony Burke, has been arrested on suspicion of murdering 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, Los Angeles police confirmed on Thursday, per bbc.com.
The 21-year-old artist is being held without bail after the remains of the teenager, who went missing in April 2024, were discovered in a vehicle registered to his address.
The arrest follows a months-long investigation triggered by the discovery of Hernandez’s body on 8 September. Her remains were found in the front boot of a Tesla located in a Hollywood tow yard, after reports of a foul odour. Court documents reveal the vehicle was registered to Burke’s Texas residence.
Medical examiners described the body as “severely decomposed,” suggesting the victim may have been dead for several weeks prior to the discovery. While a formal cause of death has not been released, investigators noted that Hernandez had a “Shhh…” tattoo on her index finger, nearly identical to a marking visible on Burke’s hand.
Burke’s legal team issued a statement denying the allegations, asserting that evidence will prove the singer did not cause Hernandez’s death. They emphasised that no formal indictment has been returned by a grand jury and that Burke has only been detained under suspicion.
The investigation intensified in December when a grand jury began hearing evidence. Filings obtained from a Texas court previously identified Burke as the “target” of the Los Angeles proceedings. The case is scheduled to be presented to the District Attorney’s office on Monday.
D4vd rose to prominence as an indie-pop artist with hits such as *Romantic Homicide*, eventually opening for SZA and amassing 22 million monthly Spotify listeners. Following the discovery of the remains in September, the singer cancelled his world tour, retreated from public life, and was dropped by several major brand partners.
•Featured image: D4vd/Getty
