Singer-songwriter D4vd, the recording artist whose legal name is David Burke, was arrested Thursday on suspicion of murder in the death of a 14-year-old girl whose remains were found last year in a Tesla registered to him, authorities said.
The Los Angeles Police Department said Burke, 21, was taken into custody by detectives with the department’s Robbery-Homicide Division. Police said he was being held without bail and that the case would be presented to prosecutors for a charging decision.
Investigators identified the victim as Celeste Rivas Hernandez, who had been reported missing from Lake Elsinore, southeast of Los Angeles. Her decomposed remains were discovered in September 2025 after the vehicle was towed to an impound lot, where workers reported a foul odor, according to published reports citing police.
Authorities have not publicly detailed what evidence led to Burke’s arrest, and court records showing any formal charges were not immediately available Thursday night. Under U.S. law, an arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt.
Lawyers for Burke said after the arrest that he did not kill the girl and said evidence would show he was not responsible for her death.
Burke rose to fame in 2022 after music recorded for gaming videos gained traction on TikTok. His breakout song, “Romantic Homicide,” helped launch a mainstream career and led to a record deal.
The case drew wide attention after the body was linked to a vehicle registered to the artist. Burke had previously canceled tour dates as the investigation unfolded.
No court appearance date was immediately announced.
