Singer D4vd, the 20-year-old R&B artist who rose to prominence with his song 'Romantic Homicide,' has been arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas, according to multiple news outlets reporting on Thursday. He is being held without bail.
Celeste Rivas, identified as 14 years old, was found dead inside a Tesla, according to reporting from Fox News and other outlets. The circumstances surrounding her death and the precise nature of D4vd's alleged involvement were under active investigation at the time of his arrest.
D4vd, whose legal name is David Burke, gained widespread recognition after his music went viral on social media platforms before he signed with a major label. His arrest marks a dramatic turn for an artist who had been considered one of the more notable emerging voices in contemporary R&B and alternative music.
Law enforcement officials have not publicly detailed the full extent of the evidence leading to the arrest. The case is being handled by local police, and prosecutors have yet to formally announce charges beyond the suspicion of murder at the time of reporting. The decision to hold him without bail suggests authorities view him as a significant flight risk or danger.
The victim's family and community have not yet issued public statements as of the time of reporting. Celeste Rivas's age and the nature of her death have drawn wide media attention across outlets spanning the political spectrum.
Left-Leaning Emphasis
- The Guardian reported the arrest the day prior, on April 16, suggesting earlier access to the developing story.
- NBC News framed its coverage around the victim's identity prominently, emphasizing Celeste Rivas's name and age in its headline.
Right-Leaning Emphasis
- Fox News led with the detail that D4vd is being held without bail and specifically highlighted that the teen was found dead in a Tesla, foregrounding crime scene specifics.
- Fox News's headline framing emphasized the law enforcement and criminal procedural angle over the artist's celebrity profile.