Crime – Los Angeles singer detained after teen’s body found in car
Crime – A 21-year-old singer-songwriter from Los Angeles has been taken into custody in connection with the death of a teenage girl whose remains were discovered last year in a vehicle linked to him. Authorities confirmed that David Anthony Burke, known in music circles as d4vd, was arrested by detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department’s Robbery-Homicide Division. He is currently being held without bail as the case moves toward formal legal review.
Police confirm arrest and ongoing investigation
According to an official statement, Burke was arrested on suspicion of murdering Celeste Rivas Hernandez, a teenage girl who had been reported missing months before her body was found. Investigators said the case will be submitted to the District Attorney’s Office for consideration of charges. Law enforcement officials have not disclosed further details about the evidence but indicated that questioning of the suspect is ongoing.
Authorities also noted that proceedings connected to the case are underway before a Los Angeles County grand jury. The arrest reportedly followed legal developments involving the suspect’s family, who had challenged subpoenas in a Texas court.
Discovery of remains in abandoned vehicle
The case drew attention after the decomposed remains of the victim were discovered on September 8, 2025, inside an abandoned Tesla vehicle in the Hollywood Hills. Records show that the car, a 2023 Model Y, was registered to Burke in Texas. The vehicle had been towed from the area before the remains were located, raising further questions about the timeline of events.
Police have not publicly detailed how the vehicle came to be abandoned or how long it had been in that location before being recovered.
Background of the victim
Celeste Rivas Hernandez was a 15-year-old student whose disappearance had been reported multiple times by her family. She lived in Lake Elsinore, a city located southeast of Los Angeles. Her parents first reported her missing in early 2024 after she left home, though she later returned.
In the months that followed, Celeste was reported missing on several occasions, including in March and April of the same year. Each time, she was eventually located until her final disappearance, which led to a more extensive search effort.
Family members had expressed concern about her safety and well-being during these repeated incidents. After her identity was confirmed following the discovery of her remains, relatives launched a fundraising campaign to assist with expenses and to seek justice.
Legal process moving forward
Law enforcement officials stated that the case will soon be reviewed by prosecutors, who will determine what charges, if any, will be filed against Burke. Until then, investigators continue to gather evidence and conduct interviews related to the case.
The arrest marks a significant development in an investigation that has spanned more than a year, involving multiple jurisdictions and legal proceedings. Officials have urged the public to avoid speculation while the legal process unfolds.
Community response and ongoing questions
The case has prompted strong reactions from both the local community and online audiences, particularly given the ages of those involved and the circumstances surrounding the discovery. Many questions remain unanswered, including the exact sequence of events leading to the teenager’s death and how she came into contact with the suspect.
As authorities continue their work, officials have emphasized that the investigation remains active. Further details are expected to emerge as the case proceeds through the judicial system.