US: Singer D4vd arrested over alleged murder of missing teenage girl

American singer and TikTok star D4vd has been arrested by the Los Angeles Police Department over his alleged involvement in the death of a teenage girl who went missing last year.

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The 21-year-old artiste, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, was taken into custody on Thursday and is currently being held without bail, authorities confirmed. Police say the case will be forwarded to the District Attorney’s office on Monday for further action.

The arrest follows months of investigation into the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose remains were discovered in September 2024 in a Tesla vehicle linked to the singer.

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According to investigators, the vehicle had been towed to a Hollywood yard after complaints of a foul odour. Upon inspection, authorities found decomposed human remains in the car’s front trunk.

The Los Angeles County medical examiner described the body as “severely decomposed” and stated that the teenager may have died several weeks before the discovery. However, the exact cause of death has not yet been determined, with officials still treating the case as an ongoing death investigation.

Rivas Hernandez, who lived in Lake Elsinore, California, had earlier been reported missing by her family in April 2024.

In a statement issued to US media, Burke’s legal representatives denied the allegations, insisting that there is no evidence linking him to the teenager’s death.

“Actual evidence in this case will show that David Burke did not murder Celeste Rivas Hernandez and was not responsible for her death,” the statement read, adding that no formal indictment or criminal charge has been filed.

Court filings revealed that the singer had been identified as a target of a grand jury investigation, with proceedings reportedly considering a possible murder charge.

The case has drawn widespread public attention, particularly following revelations that the victim had a tattoo similar to one on the singer’s finger.

D4vd, known for songs such as “Romantic Homicide” and “Here With Me,” has remained largely silent since the investigation began. He had earlier cancelled his world tour and faced suspension from several brand partnerships amid the controversy.

Police investigations, Tribune Online gathered, are ongoing.

(BBC)