TikTok Star D4vd Faces Murder Charge in Teen's Death
US singer and TikTok star D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, has been formally arrested and charged with murder in connection with the chilling death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The 21-year-old artist was taken into custody without bail following a grand jury investigation into the apparent homicide, marking a significant breakthrough in a case that has captivated online communities for months.
Gruesome Discovery in Hollywood Tow Yard
The arrest comes after the teenage girl's remains were discovered in September inside a Tesla linked to the singer. The vehicle had been dumped at a Hollywood tow yard after reports of a foul smell emanating from it. Court documents reveal that investigators found her decomposed head and torso in a cadaver bag placed in the car's front boot, with authorities believing she may have been dead for several weeks before the gruesome discovery.
The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed that Mr Burke is being held without bail, with the case set to be handed to prosecutors on Monday. However, Celeste's exact cause of death remains unknown, as the medical examiner described the body as "severely decomposed" and is withholding a final ruling while the investigation continues.
Months of Speculation and Online Intrigue
The case has gripped online communities for months, with numerous theories swirling about any potential link between the teen and the Romantic Homicide singer. Mr Burke has remained largely silent throughout the investigation, though his representatives previously stated he had been cooperating with authorities.
David Anthony Burke, who was raised in Houston, Texas, has collaborated with several high-profile musicians including Kali Uchis, Stray Kids' Hyunjin, Laufey, and 21 Savage. He also created an anthem for the popular video game Fortnite, further cementing his status as a rising star in the music industry before this devastating development.
The arrest represents the first major breakthrough in a case that has been shrouded in mystery since Celeste Rivas Hernandez was reported missing. As the legal proceedings move forward, authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding her death and the evidence found in the Tesla linked to the TikTok star.
