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Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s father reacts after D4vd arrest in daughter's murder case

Authorities arrest D4vd in connection with the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The case centers on remains found in the singer's Tesla seven months earlier, prompting reactions from the victim's family and responses from the accused's legal team. Key details include the manner in which the body was discovered and ongoing questions about the evidence.

Why It Matters

The arrest marks a major development in a high-profile juvenile homicide case in Los Angeles, with family statements and defense responses shaping public and legal dialogue.

Timeline

5 Events

Defense attorneys issue statement denying guilt

April 17, 2026

The singer’s attorneys Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski, and Regina Peter released a collective statement denying Burke’s guilt, saying that the actual evidence will show he did not murder Celeste Rivas Hernandez.

Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s father speaks out after arrest

April 17, 2026

Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s father expressed gratitude to God following the arrest, stating through the family’s attorney: 'Thank God … justice for Celeste.'

LAPD statements on probable cause to arrest

April 16, 2026

LAPD Robbery-Homicide Division Captain Scot M. Williams said investigators developed probable cause to arrest David Burke for murder and that authorities pursued him diligently once that determination was made.

D4vd arrested on murder charges; held without bail

April 16, 2026

D4vd, born David Burke, was taken into custody by Los Angeles Police Department homicide detectives on charges of murder connected to Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s death. He was being held without bail and was anticipated to be formally charged the following Monday.

Discovery of Celeste Rivas Hernandez remains in the singer's Tesla

September 2025

The decomposed body of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez was found in a Tesla owned by the singer, after a foul smell was detected by tow-yard employees. The remains were described as distributed across two cadaver bags inside the vehicle, with the head and torso in one bag and the rest of the body parts in the other.