Emerging music artist D4vd has been arrested in connection with the murder of a teenage girl whose dismembered body was discovered in a vehicle registered in his name, authorities in Los Angeles confirmed on Thursday.
Police said the 21-year-old singer, whose real name is David Burke, was taken into custody on suspicion of murdering 14-year-old Celeste Rivas. He is currently being held without bail.
The victim’s remains were found in September last year, one day before her 15th birthday, inside the boot of an impounded Tesla. Authorities were alerted after workers at a Hollywood tow yard reported a strong foul odour emanating from the vehicle.
Although Burke has been arrested, prosecutors have not yet formally filed charges. Officials indicated that the case is under review, with an update expected early next week.
Rivas had previously been reported missing at the age of 13 in Riverside County, located southeast of Los Angeles. A post-mortem examination later revealed that her body had likely remained inside the vehicle for an extended period before being discovered.
Investigators from the Los Angeles Police Department said the car had been parked in the upscale Hollywood Hills area for nearly a month before it was towed.
D4vd rose to prominence in 2022 after his track Romantic Homicide gained viral traction on TikTok, propelling him into the spotlight.
The investigation remains ongoing.