David Anthony Burke, better known as the musician d4vd, was arrested Thursday afternoon at a rental home in the Hollywood Hills.
Law enforcement officials, including the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and U.S. Marshals, breached the residence to take the artist into custody.
The 18-year-old musician, recognized for hits like “Feel It” from the Amazon Prime series Invincible and his viral track “Romantic Homicide,” was transferred to the Los Angeles County Jail on Monday night following a court appearance.
He faces multiple charges, including first-degree murder, witness tampering, sexual abuse of a child under 14, and mutilation of remains.
The charges stem from allegations involving Celeste Rivas Hernandez, who reportedly met d4vd in 2022 when she was just 12 years old.
Court documents also reveal that investigators found significant amounts of child pornography on the musician’s phone last week, further fueling public outrage.
The case has sparked widespread debate, with some calling for d4vd to face the death penalty if convicted. If carried out, it would mark California’s first execution in 20 years. “I never wish death on anyone,” one critic said, “but taking someone’s life, especially a minor you had sexual relations with? There cannot be any second chances.”
The controversy surrounding d4vd deepened when an unreleased song, reportedly recorded in December 2023, surfaced in September 2025. The song, allegedly about Hernandez, features lyrics describing obsessive love, including lines about her scent, her voice, and a desire to make Cupid “suicidal.”
While the song’s melancholic melody may sound romantic out of context, its content has been widely condemned as disturbing given the allegations.
This case has drawn comparisons to other high-profile scandals involving musicians, such as R. Kelly.
However, many argue that d4vd’s alleged crimes are even more egregious. “People are calling him the devil, and I agree,” one social media user wrote. “He’s worse than that.”
As the investigation continues, more details are emerging, including allegations that Hernandez may not have been the only underage victim. Public sentiment remains overwhelmingly against the musician, with many calling for justice for Hernandez and other potential victims.
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