On September 8, 2025, the remains of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez were discovered in Los Angeles, California, inside the front trunk of an impounded Tesla registered to musician David Burke, known professionally as D4vd. The discovery came months after she was reported missing in April 2024, with her last known contact with family occurring in May 2024.
An autopsy conducted in April 2026 revealed the cause of death, leading to formal charges against Burke. He has been accused of first-degree murder with special circumstances, including three counts, as well as lewd and lascivious acts with a minor under 14 years old and mutilation of human remains.
According to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, Rivas was reported missing multiple times during the final year of her life. Surveillance footage and digital evidence confirmed she was alive in September 2024 and January 2025, indicating she had been held for an extended period before her death.
Burke, a singer-songwriter best known for tracks like “Romantic Homicide” and “Here with Me,” was taken into custody in April 2026. The case has drawn significant attention due to his rising profile in the music industry and the tragic nature of the allegations.
The investigation underscores the complexities of missing persons cases involving minors and highlights the role of digital evidence in reconstructing timelines. As legal proceedings continue, the music community and public await further developments in a case that has deeply affected both local and national audiences.
