D4vd Arrested in Connection to Celeste Rivas Case, Remains in Custody

A major update has arrived in the Celeste Rivas case. D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, has been arrested and remains in custody in connection with her murder.

What We Know About the Arrest

On April 16, TMZ reported that the musical artist D4vd, had been arrested in connection with the murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas, whose full name is Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The singer was taken into custody by the LAPD's Robbery-Homicide Division and is being held without bail.

TMZ also reported that law enforcement officials believe that D4vd, who was then 21, had been in a relationship with Rivas, who was 14 when she died. Investigators have also reportedly linked a mysterious trip he took to a remote area of Santa Barbara in the spring of 2025 to the case.

Timeline of the Celeste Rivas Case

Celeste Rivas was reported missing in April 2024, according to a FOX LA report on the case that was based on court documents. Months later, on September 8, 2025, her body was found inside a Tesla registered to D4vd. The car had been abandoned near D4vd's Hollywood Hills home, which resulted in it being towed to an impound lot.

The remains were discovered when workers at the impound lot noted a foul odor was coming from the vehicle and called the police. Investigators discovered Rivas' dismembered and "severely decomposed" remains split between two bags in the car's front storage area. Although she would have turned 15 the day before the discovery, the authorities believe she died when she was still 14.

After the news broke publicly, D4vd canceled the rest of his tour and receded from the public eye. On September 17, the police served a search warrant for the house he had been leasing. Still, months passed after that with the public not being informed of any progress in the case.

Intense public frustration grew quickly after the body was found, as many were left wondering why D4vd hadn't been arrested. Ultimately, it took just over seven months from the discovery until he was taken into custody, according to TMZ's report.

Our thoughts are with Celeste Rivas' family and friends during this difficult time.

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Apr 17, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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This story was originally published April 16, 2026 at 7:00 PM.