Defense Says Evidence Will Clear D4vd in Teen Homicide Case

Authorities in Los Angeles are investigating singer-songwriter David Burke, known professionally as D4vd, after his arrest on suspicion of murder in connection with the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.

Burke, 21, was taken into custody on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at a residence in the Hollywood Hills. The arrest was carried out by Los Angeles Police Department detectives with assistance from U.S. Marshals. He is currently being held without bail.

In a statement released Friday, Burke’s legal team—attorneys Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski, and Regina Peter—denied the allegations and said the evidence would ultimately clear him. “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,” the attorneys said. They also noted that, as of now, no grand jury indictment has been issued and no formal criminal complaint has been filed. The defense said it plans to “vigorously defend” Burke.

The case stems from the discovery of human remains in September 2025. On September 8, investigators found Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s dismembered body inside two cadaver bags placed in the front trunk of a Tesla registered to Burke. The vehicle had been impounded after being found abandoned in Hollywood.

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office has since ruled the death a homicide. While decomposition initially made it difficult to determine the cause of death, officials now say there is sufficient evidence to move forward with the investigation.

According to court documents and statements from the family, Celeste had been reported missing from her home in Lake Elsinore in 2024. Her brother told investigators she was last seen leaving to watch a movie with Burke. Authorities have also cited digital communications from Discord suggesting the two had a prior relationship.

Police are expected to present their findings to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office on Monday, April 20. Prosecutors will then decide whether to file formal charges.

Burke’s record label, Darkroom/Interscope, has suspended his professional activities and removed his profile from its website following the case developments.