The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office is set to announce Monday whether it will file criminal charges against alt-pop artist d4vd regarding the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The investigation centers on the discovery of Rivas' decomposed body in the singer's Tesla, months after she was reported missing.
Arrest and Investigation Timeline
The 21-year-old singer, David Anthony Burke, was arrested on Thursday, seven months after the discovery of the young girl's body in his vehicle. Celeste Rivas Hernandez had been missing since 2024.
- Investigation Status: The case is currently under review by the office’s Major Crimes Division to determine if the evidence meets the threshold for criminal charges.
- Official Update: The district attorney’s office stated Friday that an update would be provided on Monday following a filing decision.
Legal Stances: Family vs. Defense
Both the victim's family and d4vd's legal team have issued statements regarding the upcoming proceedings.
The Rivas Family:
- Patrick Steinfeld, the family's attorney, stated the family is committed to ensuring Celeste’s memory is honored throughout the process.
d4vd's Defense:
- Attorneys for d4vd intend to "vigorously defend David’s innocence," clarifying that the singer was detained only under suspicion.
- Their statement asserted that evidence would prove David Burke did not murder Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
- The defense noted that no indictment has been returned by a grand jury, nor has a criminal complaint been filed.
Evidence and Discovery
Court documents reveal that a grand jury has been investigating the singer in connection with Rivas’ death. These filings identify him as a "target" who may have been "involved," though they do not specify the nature of his suspected role.
- Body Discovery: Rivas' decomposed body was found in the trunk of a Tesla registered to d4vd in September 2025, while he was on tour in Minneapolis.
- Timeline Discrepancies: Authorities have not established a clear timeline for when Rivas died, though court records indicate she was 14 at the time of death. Photographs suggest she was alive nearly a year after she was first reported missing.
- Discovery Circumstances: Neighbors reported the car appeared abandoned near the Hollywood Hills home where d4vd resided. Police were alerted after noticing a strong odor emanating from the vehicle.
Links Between d4vd and Rivas
Evidence suggesting a connection between the two surfaced prior to Rivas being reported missing:
- January 2024: The two appeared together on a Twitch livestream, joking with each other.
- Early 2024: The singer was photographed exiting a black Tesla near Rivas’ home, images later verified by geolocation.
- June 2024: Rivas was photographed backstage at a sold-out show where d4vd performed at The Fonda Theatre in Los Angeles.
