David Burke, a 21-year-old singer known as D4vd, has been taken into custody in relation to the murder of a teenager, Celeste Rivas Hernandez, according to the Los Angeles Police Department announced in a statement on Thursday.
“Burke is being held without bail,” the LAPD reported, adding that the case is expected to be submitted to the district attorney’s office on Monday. The police did not disclose the evidence that led to his arrest.
Burke’s legal team released a statement on Thursday, defending the singer.
“We want to make it clear – the evidence will reveal that David Burke did not kill Celeste Rivas Hernandez and is not responsible for her death,” attorneys Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski, and Regina Peter told JS. “There has been no grand jury indictment or criminal complaint filed. David is merely detained on suspicion. We are committed to proving David’s innocence.”
Rivas Hernandez was 13 years old when last seen in Lake Elsinore, Calif., in April 2024. In September 2025, her remains were discovered in a Tesla registered to the singer after it was impounded.
The death of Rivas Hernandez has left Lake Elsinore residents in shock and mourning.
“She deserves justice,” said Rubi Alonso, a Lake Elsinore resident familiar with Rivas Hernandez’s family, told The Los Angeles Times. “She was diligent, hardworking, and intelligent.”
Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for Coachella
Burke, who rose to fame with TikTok-viral songs like “Here With Me” and “Romantic Homicide,” was identified as a suspect in the death of Rivas Hernandez last November, according to a law enforcement source who spoke to NBC News at the time. He was also the focus of a grand jury investigation concerning the teenager’s death.
“The case is anticipated to be brought before the Major Crimes Division, where prosecutors will evaluate the facts and evidence to decide if there is enough to charge him,” stated the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, as reported by KTLA.
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