The alleged connection between a teen whose decomposing body was discovered in the trunk of a Tesla belonging to singer D4vd remains murky, but messages indicate the pair had communicated as early as 2022.
Los Angeles police on Thursday arrested the 21-year-old singer, whose name is David Anthony Burke, more than seven months after the body of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, 14, was found in early September in the singer’s vehicle, which had been abandoned at a tow yard after being impounded.
The gruesome discovery came just a day after Rivas Hernandez — who had been initially reported missing in 2024 from her home in Lake Elsinore, California — would have celebrated her 15th birthday. Authorities discovered the rotting corpse after responding to a report of a foul odor emanating from Burke’s Tesla.
The alleged link between the teen and Burke has sparked much speculation online, although his attorneys told Newsweek in a statement that evidence will show the singer “did not murder” Rivas Hernandez or cause her death. Messages on Discord, however, indicate the pair had communicated as early as October 2022, CNN reported.
Rivas Hernandez had been reported missing multiple times by her family before her body was discovered. She also communicated with Burke when she was just 12 years old, and years later, as her whereabouts were unknown, according to messages cited by CNN.
“Celeste in here??’ Burke reportedly wrote in a Discord message in October 2022.
“HI DAVID BARKKK,” a user named Celeste replied.
Other images found on Twitch show Burke with Rivas Hernandez in January 2024, about a month before the 13-year-old seventh grader was reported missing, according to CNN.
Attempts to reach Rivas Hernandez’s relatives were unsuccessful early Friday. She lived with her family about 75 miles away from the Hollywood Hills neighborhood where her body had been found. Residents of Lake Elsinore who knew the teen have remembered her as an industrious and bright young lady. She previously attended Lakeland Village School, the Los Angeles Times reported in September.
“She deserves justice,” Rubi Alonso told the newspaper. “It’s just so sad.”
Alonso said she met Celeste while in kindergarten and remained friendly with her family.
“She was studious, a hard worker and intelligent,” Alonso said.
Elie Naddaf, who owns a convenience store where Celeste regularly shopped, said she often bought snacks or soda while heading to a nearby bus stop.
“She was always so quiet, shy, just a sweet child,” Naddaf told the Times in September. “I feel a connection to the community. It’s just heartbreaking to see this happen.”
An online fundraiser established for the teen’s family in September has eclipsed $24,000 as of Friday.
“She was a beloved daughter, sister, cousin, and friend,” the site reads. “Her family is heartbroken and devastated by this tragic loss.”
Attorneys for Burke, meanwhile, insist the Houston-born alt-pop singer is innocent.
“Let us be clear — the actual evidence in this case will show that David Burke did not murder Celeste Rivas Hernandez and he was not the cause of her death,” attorneys Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski and Regina Peter told Newsweek in a statement. “There has been no indictment returned by any grand jury in this case and no criminal complaint filed. David has only been detained
under suspicion. We will vigorously defend David’s innocence.”
What Happens Next
Burke, of Los Angeles, remains held without bail on suspicion of murder. The case will be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office on Monday for filing consideration, police said.
“Our office is aware of the arrest of David Anthony Burke by the Los Angeles Police Department,” prosecutors told Newsweek in a statement. “The case is expected to be presented to the Major Crimes Division, at which point prosecutors will review the facts and evidence to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to file charges. At this time, additional information is not available. We will share an update on Monday once a filing decision has been made.”
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