A major breakthrough has emerged in the case ofCeleste Rivas Hernandez, as authorities move closer to formal charges following thearrest of singer David Anthony Burke. The development marks a significant step in a case that has drawn widespread attention over the past year.
On Thursday, 16 April, the first step in getting justice for the death of teenager Celeste Rivas Hernandez has been attained as singer D4vd, 21, has been arrested and is in the custody of the Los Angeles Police Department in connection with the death of Hernandez, who was found in an abandoned Tesla last year.
Now the singer is set for arraignment in connection with the case, and the teenager's father has also finally broken his silence as he reacts to the singer's arrest. It was also revealed that D4vd is inmate #7221640.
Seven months ago, on 8 September 2025, severely decomposed remains inside two cadaver bags were found in the front trunk of ablack 2023 Tesla Modelin an LA impound lot after beingabandonedon Bluebird Avenue in Hollywood Hills.
The remains were later identified as14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, who has been missing from Lake Elsinore, California, since February 2024. Employees at the impound lot raised the alarm when they noticed a foul smell emanating from the vehicle, which was registered to singer David Anthony Burke, known professionally as D4vd.
The fact that the Tesla was linked to the rising singer already placed him directly in the spotlight. However, their connection is more than that, as internet sleuths discovered and alleged that the two had a relationship.
The speculation was suggested by uncoveredphotographs, matching tattoos, and anold Twitch stream clip. Some even alleged that their connectiondated back to when Hernandezwas as young as 10 years old, though these claims remain unverified.
On Thursday afternoon, David Anthony Burke (D4vd) was taken into custody by theLAPD Robbery-Homicide Divisionand US Marshals at a residence in Hollywood Hills. He is currently being held without bail. Following the arrest, the case was expected to be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office today, Monday, 20 April, for formal filing consideration, which will trigger his initial arraignment.
If the District Attorney proceeds with murder charges, the 21-year-old singer could face a sentence of life in prison. Following the arrest, private investigator Steve Fischer, who has been investigating Hernandez's death, has revealed that the singer is identified as inmate #7221640.
David Anthony Burke is inmate #7221640.#CelesteRivasHernandez#D4vdpic.twitter.com/kItK9nc8uX
Source: International Business Times UK
