The investigation into the tragic death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, a 15-year-old girl who vanished mysteriously and was found under horrifying circumstances, is now taking a dramatic turn as David Anthony Burke, the rapper known as D4vd, has unexpectedly retained a top-tier criminal defense attorney. Although no arrests or charges have been made in connection with Celeste’s death, D4vd’s move has ignited a massive wave of speculation, leading the public to question: Is this a sign that serious criminal charges are imminent, or is it simply a desperate attempt at damage control for a young star whose career is on the brink of collapse?
The case first captured public attention when Celeste Rivas Hernandez was reported missing by her family in April 2024. Months later, in early September, her decomposed remains were discovered in the front trunk of a Tesla owned by D4vd. The discovery immediately drew intense public interest, not only due to its tragic nature but also because of the mysterious and disturbing details surrounding it. Investigators now believe Celeste had been deceased for some time before her body was found. The LA Times revealed that the Tesla had received a parking ticket 11 days before the discovery, and even tow yard workers had called the police due to a foul odor emanating from the vehicle.
However, the biggest questions remain unanswered: How did Celeste die? Was she murdered, or did she pass from other causes? Who placed her body in D4vd’s car? And why, with all these mysterious circumstances, has no one been arrested?
The focus has turned to D4vd for several reasons. Beyond the fact that Celeste’s remains were found in his registered vehicle, there is a series of other startling “coincidences.” Reports suggest that Celeste and D4vd may have been involved in a romantic relationship, despite her being a minor and D4vd being in his early twenties. Celeste’s mother even mentioned that her daughter’s boyfriend’s name was David. Furthermore, both D4vd and Celeste had matching tattoos on their fingers. He was once spotted in Lake Elsinore, Celeste’s hometown, and more alarmingly, D4vd has unreleased songs that mention the name Celeste. The culmination of these details is a music video released earlier this year in which D4vd portrays both a killer and a victim, featuring a scene where he disposes of a body in the trunk of a car.
These details, though circumstantial, have painted a disturbing picture, making it impossible for the public not to ask: Is this just a series of random coincidences, or are these critical clues that are slowly unveiling a horrifying truth?
Amidst the escalating media pressure, D4vd has decided to hire attorney Blair Burke to represent him in the ongoing investigation. Burke is a major name in the world of criminal defense law, famous for representing numerous celebrities such as CeeLo Green, Bruno Mars, Lindsay Lohan, and NFL player Darren Sharper. D4vd’s decision to seek counsel from a lawyer of this caliber, even before being charged, is seen as a significant strategic move.
It is crucial to note that D4vd has not been publicly named as a suspect or a person of interest in Celeste’s death. A spokesperson for the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) issued a statement saying, “The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has not yet determined the cause or manner of Ms. Rivas Hernandez’s death. As such, it remains unclear whether there is any criminal culpability beyond the concealment of her body.” This suggests that the LAPD may be focusing its investigation on the “concealment of a body” rather than a direct homicide, at least at this stage.
LAPD Captain Scott M. Williams confirmed to People magazine that the Robbery-Homicide Division is still probing the case. He also stated that the Tesla had been parked at the location from which it was towed for several weeks, reinforcing the theory that Celeste had been deceased for weeks prior to the discovery. On September 18th, about 10 days after the body was found, LAPD officers searched a rental home in the Hollywood Hills, reportedly leased by D4vd’s manager for $20,000 a month. Police seized a computer and other evidence. However, just two days after the search, D4vd and his manager, Josh Marshall, moved out of the property.
Josh Marshall, D4vd’s manager, took to social media to counter the swirling speculations. He wrote, “This is the only time I’ll speak on this matter for now. This has been a tough time for my family, as I am a father of three children… I received no emails and I’m no one’s roommate. I live full-time at home with my wife and kids… this news is tragic for so many and for her family. I hope the proper authorities get to the bottom of it soon.” This statement aimed to distance himself from the speculation, emphasizing that he works remotely and does not have much direct interaction with D4vd.
But the investigation’s reach didn’t stop in California. A day after the rental home was raided, police in Texas, where D4vd’s parents live, received a fake call about an active shooting at their home. This was a “swatting” incident—a dangerous prank designed to send a SWAT team to a specific location. The event further heightened the tension and pressure facing D4vd’s family.
D4vd’s career has been severely impacted by this case. Despite the absence of criminal charges, he has lost brand deals, his tour was canceled, and his record label has halted the release of his latest album. Surprisingly, however, amid the controversy, his music has garnered renewed curiosity. His song “Romantic Homicide” has climbed the Spotify charts, and his YouTube videos are trending again.
Attorney Melba Pearson, analyzing D4vd’s decision to hire a lawyer, emphasized that it is a necessary preventative measure. “Number one, you want to make sure as he is cooperating with law enforcement, but you also want to make sure you’re preserving your rights, your right to remain silent, even though you may be cooperating, you may also be incriminating yourself based on some of the statements.” She added that a lawyer also acts as a PR agent, carefully managing statements to the media to avoid jeopardizing a future case. Pearson also dismissed the notion that hiring a criminal defense attorney is an admission of guilt, stating it is sound advice for anyone under investigation.
Regarding the nature of the case, Pearson believes it is more likely a case of concealment of a body rather than a direct homicide. “If you’ve committed a murder, are you really going to keep the evidence, as in the body, that close to you? That kind of defies logic.” She speculated that Celeste might have died from a drug overdose at a party, and D4vd or others present tried to cover it up due to fear of the consequences, especially with drugs and a celebrity’s reputation involved. Concealing a body in California is a misdemeanor, but it is still a serious crime.
The investigation is ongoing, with many questions yet to be answered. Detectives are still working to determine Celeste’s cause of death. What everyone wants to know is what truly happened to Celeste Rivas Hernandez and if anyone will be held responsible for her tragic death. This case, with its mysterious details and the involvement of a public figure, will undoubtedly continue to capture the public’s attention until the final truth is brought to light
