D4vd (real name David Anthony Burke), the previously rising R&B artist, was arrested in April 2026 in connection with the murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The arrest quickly drew widespread attention as new details about the case, including the cause of death and the charges against him, became public.
Prosecutors allege that Burke killed the teen in April 2025 and later left her remains in a vehicle for months before they were discovered in September 2025. Authorities have been working to piece together a timeline of events as the investigation continues.
Burke was formally charged with first-degree murder, along with additional felony counts, including continuous sexual abuse of a minor and unlawful mutilation of human remains. He pleaded not guilty on April 20 and is currently being held without bail as the case moves forward. No trial verdict has been reached.
Here’s what we know about d4vd’s arrest, the case involving Rivas and the latest developments so far.
How Old Is D4vd the Singer?
D4vd is currently 21 years old. He was born on March 28, 2005.
When Was Dv4d Arrested?
D4vd was arrested on April 16, 2026. He was being held without bail, according to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD).
Why Was D4vd Arrested?
D4vd was arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with the death of Rivas, a teenager whose decomposed remains were found in the trunk of his abandoned Tesla last year.
Was D4vd Found Guilty?
No, D4vd has not been found guilty of a crime at the time of publication. Police said he was arrested on “probable cause.”
Attorneys Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski and Regina Peter for the “Romantic Homicide” singer said they were prepared to “vigorously defend David’s innocence.”
“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,” d4vd’s legal team said in a statement following his arrest. “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.”
On April 20, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced during a press conference that d4vd will be charged with first-degree murder with potential eligibility for the death penalty.
What Happened to Celeste Rivas?
New details have emerged in the case of Rivas following the arrest of d4vd in April 2026. Authorities have since confirmed that the 14-year-old died from “multiple penetrating injuries caused by object(s)”, and her death has been ruled a homicide.
On September 8, 2025, police found a decomposed head and torso in a black bag in the trunk of d4vd’s abandoned Tesla. Another bag contained body parts.
Rivas had been missing from Lake Elsinore, California, in 2024, according to multiple outlets.
How Did Celeste Rivas Know D4vd?
Authorities have not confirmed evidence of a relationship between Rivas and d4vd. However, rumors circulated over a leaked song from d4vd’s. Titled “Celeste_Demo unfin,” the track made the rounds online in late 2023, and it mentions a girl named Celeste several times.
“Oh, Celeste / The girl with my name tattooed on her chest,” he sings in the unreleased song. “Smell her on my clothes like cigarettes / I hear her voice each time I take a breath / I’m obsessed.” In another verse, he sings, “Oh, Celeste / Afraid you’ll only love me when undressed / But you look so damn gorgeous in that dress.”
According to multiple outlets, d4vd was seen near Rivas’ home shortly before she disappeared in April 2024.
