BY MIRABEL ODETA

Authorities in Los Angeles have arrested David Burke, a 21-year-old musician known professionally as D4vd, on suspicion of murdering 14-year-old Celeste Rivas. The arrest marks a major development in a case that has drawn widespread attention since the discovery of the teenager’s remains last year.

According to police, Rivas — who was from a community roughly 70 miles southeast of Los Angeles — had been missing for nearly a year and a half before her decomposed remains were found in September 2025. Investigators say the body was discovered inside the front trunk of a car registered to Burke. The vehicle had reportedly been left parked for weeks in a neighborhood in the Hollywood Hills before being towed to an impound lot. Workers there alerted authorities after noticing a strong and unusual odor coming from the car.

The case initially gained traction after reports surfaced linking Burke to the vehicle shortly after the discovery. At the time, police confirmed they were pursuing an extensive investigation but did not immediately file charges. The delay reflected the complexity of the case, as detectives worked to gather sufficient evidence before making an arrest.

In a statement, the Los Angeles Police Department confirmed that detectives from its Robbery-Homicide Division had taken Burke into custody in connection with Rivas’ death. He is currently being held without bail, and authorities say the case is expected to be presented to prosecutors in the coming days.

Before his arrest, Burke had been building a rapidly growing music career. He first rose to prominence in 2022 after posting songs he recorded on his phone alongside gaming content, particularly videos related to Fortnite. His breakout track, Romantic Homicide, went viral on TikTok, propelling him into the spotlight and helping him secure a recording deal with Interscope Records through its Darkroom imprint, which is associated with artists such as Billie Eilish.

Legal representation for Burke has so far remained largely silent. His attorney, Blair Berk, has previously emphasized that there had been no publicly disclosed evidence directly linking her client to a crime and underscored his legal rights during the investigation. Following the arrest, she did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The case continues to unfold as prosecutors review the evidence and determine formal charges. Meanwhile, the arrest has intensified public scrutiny, not only because of the tragic circumstances surrounding Rivas’ death but also due to Burke’s rising profile in the music industry.