R&B artist David Burke, known to fans as d4vd, emerged as a breakout star with viral hits such as “Here With Me” and “Romantic Homicide.” But in September 2025, his career collided with tragedy. Authorities discovered the body of 15-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernández inside his Tesla in Los Angeles. The case has dominated headlines and fueled intense social media speculation. Many fans keep asking the same question: Why hasn’t d4vd been arrested?
Law enforcement officials say the investigation is ongoing. The manner of death has been ruled a homicide, but the cause of death remains deferred. Police cannot establish criminal culpability beyond the concealment of her body without determining exactly how Celeste died. Until toxicology and forensic testing provide answers, no arrest can be made.
Everything we know about Celeste Rivas Hernandez
Rivas was a teenager from Lake Elsinore, California. Authorities reported her missing multiple times in 2024: first in April, followed by at least two more incidents that year. Per News Nation Now, friends of Burke told reporters they believed she was 19 and a USC student. She often accompanied him to social gatherings, clubs and parties. Law enforcement later confirmed to TMZ that Hernandez possessed multiple fake IDs, which likely gave her access to age-restricted venues. Burke’s friends described both as shy and quiet, noting that she appeared to follow his lead in nearly everything.
Hernandez’s sudden death has devastated her family. A GoFundMe campaign for her funeral raised over $24,000. Meanwhile, the tragedy has intensified questions about why d4vd hasn’t been arrested, despite the circumstantial evidence. A memorial service was scheduled for early October 2025.
Elsewhere, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner identified her and issued a death certificate, as obtained by TMZ. Hernandez was not pregnant at the time of her death. Authorities have classified the manner of death as a homicide, yet the cause remains deferred pending test results.
Where was d4vd’s Tesla found?
According to ABC7, On Sept. 8, 2025, Los Angeles authorities discovered the body of 15-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernández inside a Tesla registered to David Burke. The car had accumulated multiple parking tickets, and neighbors reported a foul odor after sitting parked in the Hollywood Hills for weeks. This led authorities to tow it from the area before searching the impounded vehicle.
Inside, they found heavily decomposed human remains wrapped in a plastic bag inside the trunk. Officials believe Rivas had been dead for several weeks before being discovered. The condition of the body complicated the autopsy, leaving toxicology testing and additional forensic analysis as the primary methods for determining what happened.
What did they find at d4vd’s house?
The Los Angeles Police Department Robbery-Homicide Division has investigated Rivas’s death since September. LAPD Captain Scot Williams confirmed key details: authorities towed the Tesla after it sat parked for several weeks, and Celeste had likely been dead for several weeks before discovery. Williams stated clearly: “We know for sure that Celeste Rivas Hernandez died and someone placed her body in the front trunk area of David Burke’s Tesla.”
Meanwhile, the investigation remains active. LAPD executed a search warrant at a Hollywood Hills home where Burke had stayed. Investigators seized computers and other electronic devices for forensic analysis. Burke canceled his U.S. tour dates and several European shows shortly after authorities identified Rivas’s body. Subsequently, Burke ended his lease in Los Angeles, according to the LA Times.
Police have not named Burke or anyone else as a suspect. In fact, the LAPD stated it clearly: without medical confirmation of the cause of death, they cannot determine if anyone has criminal culpability beyond the concealment of her body.
Why hasn’t d4vd been arrested?
The answer comes down to legal process and forensic evidence. Investigators need probable cause to arrest d4vd, but right now they don’t have it. Authorities have ruled the manner of death a homicide. However, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner deferred Hernandez’s cause of death, requiring additional testing and studies to make that determination. Without knowing exactly how she died, prosecutors cannot file charges against d4vd.
Of course, circumstantial associations exist. Her body was discovered in Burke’s car. However, circumstantial evidence is not enough to build a criminal case. Investigators need forensic evidence directly linking someone to her death. For this reason, police have cautioned against rushing forward. Naming a suspect without sufficient evidence could compromise the entire investigation.
Internet sleuths are studying d4vd’s music for insight
Police move carefully, but social media has not. On TikTok, Twitter and Instagram, fans and critics have circulated theories. Many point fingers at Burke. Viral posts dissect his lyrics, stage presence, music videos and tour cancellations as supposed “clues.”
Another ABC7 story points to a resurfaced podcast interview that shows Burke discussing the dark inspiration behind “Romantic Homicide.” In the interview, he explained he created an alter ego based on an anime detective with a murderous side, similar to Fight Club‘s Tyler Durden.
His music videos feature graphic imagery. For instance, one video shows what appears to be a blindfolded d4vd in a bloodied shirt standing by as two people put a body in a car trunk. Another video depicts a girl’s arm being cut off. Additionally, reports surfaced of alleged Discord messages from October 2022 showing Burke, then 17, messaging a user named “celeste.” She would have been 12 at the time.
Nevertheless, officials caution that public speculation is no substitute for forensic evidence. Toxicology results and autopsy findings will be the primary factors in determining the outcome. These results will bring clarity to whether authorities can arrest d4vd and advance the case toward criminal charges. Until then, theories remain just that.
What happens next?
Ultimately, the case now depends on science. Toxicology tests can take weeks or months and may reveal drugs, alcohol, poisons or other substances in Rivas’ system. This could help establish whether her death was accidental, the result of an overdose or caused by foul play. The autopsy results will determine the cause of death.
If the cause of death points to criminal action, police would then need to determine who was responsible and build a prosecutable case with direct evidence. Whether d4vd will be arrested depends entirely on what these forensic findings reveal. Conversely, if forensic analysis cannot establish a definitive cause or link someone to her death, the investigation could conclude without charges, or only those related to concealment of a body.
Where is d4vd now?
Burke has withdrawn from public life since the discovery. He canceled the remainder of his tour, ended his Los Angeles lease and has gone silent on social media. His exact location remains unknown. TMZ reports that brands like Crocs and Hollister pulled promotional content featuring Burke. His label pulled promotion for a deluxe version of his album, which had been scheduled for release around the time authorities discovered Rivas’ body.
A spokesperson for Burke told NBC News that he is “fully cooperating with the authorities.” However, LAPD Captain Williams later stated he could not confirm whether the artist was cooperating. Burke has not made any public statements since the discovery.
Fans interpret this silence differently. Some view it as a form of mourning and self-protection during a challenging time. Others view it as avoidance. Nevertheless, police note one key fact: with no charges filed, Burke remains a free man. He is not legally required to speak publicly.
For now, the death of Celeste Rivas remains shrouded in uncertainty. Her family is left with only painful questions and a devastating loss. As for Burke, there is intense public scrutiny without formal accusation. Moreover, the case highlights a critical gap: online speculation moves fast, while forensic investigation moves deliberately and methodically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was Celeste Rivas Hernandez from?
15-year-old Hernandez was from Lake Elsinore, where she was raised by immigrant parents from El Salvador and attended Lakeland Village School, according to the LA Times.
When was Celeste Rivas Hernandez found?
Sept. 8, 2025, is when authorities uncovered Celeste’s decomposing body in d4vd’s Tesla.