US singer and TikTok personality, D4vd, has been arrested on suspicion of murdering a 14-year-old girl, Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose remains were discovered last year, authorities in Los Angeles have confirmed.
According to BBC News on Friday, the 21-year-old, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, was taken into custody by the Los Angeles Police Department and is being held without bail.
Police said the case would be forwarded to the District Attorney’s office on Monday as investigations continue into the teenager’s death.
Police disclosed that Burke was arrested “for the murder of Celeste Rivas,” following months of investigation that began after the girl’s remains were found on September 8, 2025 in a vehicle linked to him.
Authorities said they were alerted after reports of a foul odour coming from a Tesla that had been towed to a Hollywood yard.
Court documents show that investigators discovered the decomposed head and torso of the teenager inside a cadaver bag in the front compartment of the car, which was registered to an address associated with the singer in Texas.
Medical officials noted that the remains were “severely decomposed,” adding that the victim may have been dead for several weeks before the discovery.
However, no official cause of death has yet been released.
The case had remained largely unclear for months, with authorities initially treating it as a death investigation.
A judge later ordered that the teen’s death records be sealed in November to allow investigators receive full findings from the medical examiner before making details public.
Rivas Hernandez, who lived about 75 miles from where her body was found, had been reported missing by her family in April 2024.
Reports indicate that she had previously left home on earlier occasions, but her disappearance drew renewed attention after the discovery of her remains.
Investigations intensified in December when a grand jury in Los Angeles began hearing evidence in the case, identifying Burke as a target.
The arrest marks the most significant development since proceedings began.
Additional court filings, which surfaced after members of Burke’s family were summoned to testify, indicated that he could face one count of murder.
Some details released during the investigation revealed that the teenager was found wearing a tube top, black leggings and jewellery, including a stud earring and chain bracelet.
She also had a tattoo reading “Shhh…” on her finger, similar to one worn by the singer.
The case has generated widespread attention online, with speculation about a possible link between the victim and the musician, who rose to fame with songs like Romantic Homicide.
Following the discovery of the body, Burke cancelled his world tour, withdrew from public appearances, and lost several brand partnerships.
He has largely remained silent on the allegations, although his representatives previously stated that he was cooperating with investigators.
