Singer David Anthony Burke, known to his fans as D4vd, was arrested and formally charged with the murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Hernandez was last seen almost a year ago while visiting Burke at his home in Los Angeles, California. On September 8, 2025, her mutilated body was found in the trunk of Burke’s Tesla. After being abandoned near his home, the Tesla was towed to an impound lot, and then, later, the body was found. Citizens who walked by the car reported a foul odor and maggots on its exterior. When the trunk was opened by the police, Hernandez’s remains were found decomposing and not fully intact. “I think it is absolutely detrimental that this happened. I feel horrible for the family and for Celeste. I hope they can recover,” says Ashley Garcia, a sophomore.
It was determined that Hernandez had been deceased for several weeks. Investigators built a case against David over the last 7 months, and although he was not detained immediately, a secret grand jury investigation was collecting evidence against him. He was later identified as a suspect in the murder of Celeste Rivas Hernandez. On April 16, Burke was formally arrested, and on April 20th he was charged with first-degree murder with special circumstances. “It’s well deserved. It took a long time, but I’m glad he’s finally arrested. That’s a really bad crime, and I hope the family’s okay,” says junior Robert Albers.
