United Singer singer D4vd, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, has been arrested on suspicion of murdering a teenage girl who went missing last year, the Los Angeles Police Department said on Thursday.
The 21-year-old TikTok star was the target of a grand jury investigation into the apparent murder of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, 14, whose remains were found in his Tesla in September 2025.
Police said Burke was being held without bail, and the case will be presented to the District Attorney’s office on Monday.
On September 8, 2025, investigators found the teen’s decomposed head and torso in a cadaver bag in the front boot of a Tesla registered to D4vd’s address in Texas, court documents said. The county’s medical examiner said the body was “severely decomposed” and deferred on making a ruling on how she died. The girl might have been dead “for several weeks” before the discovery, officials said.
Rivas Hernandez, who lived about 75 miles from where her body was discovered, had last been reported missing by her family in April 2024. She was wearing a tube top, black leggings, and jewellery, including a yellow metal chain bracelet, when her body was found. She also had a tattoo that read “Shhh…” on her index finger — a marking nearly identical to one on the singer’s own finger.
A grand jury began hearing evidence in the case in December. Court filings confirmed that D4vd had been identified as a “target” of the investigation and that he may be subject to proceedings for one count of murder.
Shortly after the body was found, the “Here With Me” singer cancelled his world tour and retreated from the spotlight. He was also dropped from marketing campaigns with US retailer Hollister and footwear giant Crocs. Singer Kali Uchis also announced she was taking down their collaboration, “Crashing.”
D4vd’s representatives had previously said he was cooperating with authorities. The BBC has contacted his representatives about the arrest.
