Singer D4vd Confirmed as Suspect in Murder of 14-Year-Old Celeste Rivas
Newly unsealed court documents in Texas have officially identified singer D4vd, born David Anthony Burke, as a suspect in the murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The documents, obtained by ABC News, refer to the 20-year-old artist as a 'target' who 'may be involved in having committed the following criminal offenses...: One Count of Murder.' This marks a significant development in the ongoing investigation into Rivas's death, which has gripped public attention since her remains were discovered late last year.
Gruesome Discovery in Hollywood Tow Lot
The case took a grim turn when Rivas's decomposing body was found on September 8 inside a Tesla registered to D4vd, which had been parked in a Hollywood tow lot. Court documents reveal that her remains were dismembered, with parts discovered in two separate bags within the vehicle's front storage compartment. Rivas's family reported she was last seen in the spring of 2024, when she left home to see a movie with D4vd and never returned, adding a personal tragedy to the legal proceedings.
Legal Battles and Grand Jury Secrecy
Despite being named a 'person of interest' by the Los Angeles Police Department, D4vd has not been formally charged. Grand jury proceedings began in the fall but have been closed to the public, with testimonies sealed. The Los Angeles Times reported that an anonymous source described the proceedings as an 'investigative grand jury,' indicating a focused probe into the murder. In a notable legal footnote, the court referenced 'The People of the State of California v David Burke,' marking the first appearance of a case against D4vd in this investigation.
Family Subpoenas and Due Process Claims
D4vd's parents, Dawud and Colleen, and his brother, Caleb, have been subpoenaed to testify before the grand jury in Los Angeles. However, they are contesting the court order, with their attorney telling ABC News that their due process rights are being violated. The family filed petitions in a Texas appeals court, arguing that redacted affidavits prevented them from understanding why they are considered material witnesses. A lower court denied their petition, and the 1st District Court of Appeals affirmed this decision, setting another hearing for February 24.
Evidence and Property Transfers
Further complicating the case, documents obtained by TMZ in October claimed that D4vd transferred the deeds of two homes in Houston to his mother. The first transfer occurred on September 18, just one day after authorities raided his Hollywood Hills rental, and the second was recorded on September 22. Additionally, police body camera footage from Texas shows D4vd notifying authorities on September 18 about a false shooting report at his home, where he assured everyone was safe. The Los Angeles County medical examiner's office has placed a security hold on Rivas's autopsy results, with the cause of death never released to the public.
Witness Testimonies and Ongoing Investigation
Sources indicate that D4vd's tour manager, Robert Morgenroth, and streamer friend Neo Langston have both testified before the grand jury. Langston was arrested in Montana earlier this year for failing to appear in court as a witness. The Daily Mail has reached out to D4vd's representative and the Los Angeles District Attorney's office for comment but has yet to receive a response. In September, after the remains were found, D4vd's representative stated he 'has been informed about what’s happened, and although he is still out on tour, he is fully cooperating with the authorities.' The investigation continues as legal battles and sealed proceedings keep key details under wraps.
