Singer-songwriter D4vd has been removed from the rosters of Sony Music Publishing and The·Team, formerly Wasserman, in the wake of his arrest on suspicion of murdering Celeste Rivas Hernandez, the teenage girl whose dismembered body was discovered in his vehicle last fall. Billboard has learned that the artist, whose real name is David Burke, is no longer represented by these entities, and his name has been conspicuously absent from the websites of his record labels, Interscope and Darkroom Records, for some time.
The developments follow D4vd’s arrest by the Los Angeles Police Department on Thursday, April 16th. He was previously represented by Sony for music publishing matters and The·Team for touring and management services. The exact date of his separation from these organizations remains unclear. While representatives for Interscope and Darkroom Records have not immediately responded to inquiries regarding D4vd’s current signing status, the removal from their official online platforms strongly suggests a severing of professional ties.
The association of D4vd’s name with Rivas began in September, when Los Angeles authorities discovered her partial, decomposed remains within the front trunk of a Tesla registered to the singer. Rivas, who had been reported missing from her home in Lake Elsinore, California, in April 2024 at the age of 13, was found to be deceased. The precise age of Rivas at the time of her death is currently undetermined.
As of the latest reports, D4vd has not been formally charged with any crime. He is currently being held without bail in a Los Angeles detention facility on suspicion of murder. Law enforcement officials indicated that the case would be presented to the District Attorney’s Office for consideration of formal charges on Monday, April 20th.
A statement released by D4vd’s legal team, comprising attorneys Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski, and Regina Peter, on Thursday, April 16th, asserted his innocence. "Let us be clear – the actual evidence in this case will show that David Burke did not murder Celeste Rivas Hernandez and he was not the cause of her death," the statement read. "There has been no indictment returned by any grand jury in this case and no criminal complaint filed. David has only been detained under suspicion. We will vigorously defend David’s innocence."
D4vd’s meteoric rise in the music industry began in 2022 with the viral success of his debut single, "Romantic Homicide," on TikTok. The track subsequently achieved significant commercial success, charting at number 33 on the Billboard Hot 100. Following the release of two EPs and a highly publicized opening slot for SZA’s critically acclaimed "SOS" tour in 2023, D4vd unveiled his debut studio album, Withered, in April of the previous year. The album made a strong debut, reaching number 13 on the Billboard 200, and was followed by a headlining tour that commenced in August.
However, the trajectory of D4vd’s burgeoning career was dramatically interrupted following the discovery of Rivas’s remains in his Tesla in September. The discovery was made after police responded to reports of a "foul odor" emanating from the vehicle, which was located at a Hollywood tow yard. Upon investigation, authorities uncovered two black bags containing severed, decomposed body parts, which were later identified as belonging to Rivas. The remains included a head, torso, and limbs.
The extensive investigation into Rivas’s death involved a grand jury in Los Angeles, which dedicated several months to reviewing the evidence. D4vd was officially confirmed as a suspect in February, around the same time that members of his family submitted public court petitions seeking to avoid testifying before the grand jury.
Timeline of Events
- April 2024: Celeste Rivas, aged 13, goes missing from her home in Lake Elsinore, California.
- September 2024: Los Angeles police discover partial, decomposed human remains in the front trunk of a Tesla registered to singer D4vd (David Burke) at a Hollywood tow yard. The remains are later identified as Celeste Rivas.
- February 2025: D4vd is confirmed as a suspect in the murder investigation. His family members file court petitions to avoid testifying before a grand jury.
- April 16, 2025 (Thursday): D4vd is arrested by the Los Angeles Police Department on suspicion of murder. His legal team releases a statement asserting his innocence. It is also reported that he has been dropped by Sony Music Publishing and The·Team, and removed from his labels’ websites.
- April 20, 2025 (Monday): The case is scheduled to be presented to the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office for potential charges.
Background and Broader Context
The discovery of Rivas’s remains has cast a dark shadow over D4vd’s rapidly ascending career. His music, often characterized by its melancholic and introspective themes, resonated with a generation of listeners, particularly through platforms like TikTok. Hits like "Romantic Homicide" and "Here With Me" cemented his status as a rising star in the alternative R&B and pop landscape. His debut album, Withered, showcased a maturity and artistic depth that garnered critical acclaim and significant commercial success, positioning him as a notable artist to watch in the contemporary music scene.
The circumstances surrounding Rivas’s disappearance and the subsequent discovery of her remains have raised profound questions and concerns within the community. The fact that a young teenager went missing and that her remains were allegedly found in the possession of a public figure has amplified the tragedy and the intensity of the investigation. Law enforcement’s meticulous approach, including the extensive review by a grand jury, underscores the gravity of the allegations.
Supporting Data and Industry Implications
The swift removal of D4vd from his publishing and management rosters, coupled with his apparent de-listing from his record labels’ websites, reflects a standard industry practice in response to serious criminal allegations. Record labels and music publishers typically have clauses in their contracts that allow for the termination of agreements in cases involving criminal activity, particularly those of a violent nature. This proactive approach is designed to mitigate reputational damage and financial risk for the companies involved.
The financial implications for D4vd are also substantial. His career was gaining significant momentum, with a successful album, a headlining tour, and the potential for further endorsements and lucrative opportunities. A criminal conviction could effectively end his music career and lead to severe financial penalties, including contractual breaches and lawsuits.
The case also highlights the intense scrutiny faced by artists who gain fame through social media platforms. While these platforms offer unprecedented opportunities for exposure and rapid audience growth, they can also place artists under a microscope, where any misstep can have amplified consequences. The rapid ascent of artists like D4vd often means that their personal lives are subject to intense public interest, making them particularly vulnerable to reputational damage in the face of serious allegations.
Official Responses and Legal Proceedings
The Los Angeles Police Department has been leading the investigation, with detectives working to piece together the timeline and circumstances of Rivas’s death. The District Attorney’s Office will ultimately decide whether to file criminal charges, a decision that will be based on the evidence presented by the prosecution.
D4vd’s legal defense team has maintained his innocence, emphasizing that he has only been detained on suspicion and that no formal charges have been filed. The legal process ahead will involve presenting evidence, potentially including forensic reports, witness testimonies, and any communications or digital evidence that may be relevant to the case. The grand jury’s role in reviewing the evidence is to determine if there is sufficient probable cause to issue an indictment, which would lead to a formal criminal trial.
The statement from D4vd’s attorneys, asserting that "the actual evidence in this case will show that David Burke did not murder Celeste Rivas Hernandez and he was not the cause of her death," suggests that the defense may be preparing to challenge the prosecution’s narrative and potentially present an alternative explanation for Rivas’s demise. The defense’s commitment to "vigorously defend David’s innocence" indicates a robust legal battle is anticipated.
Broader Impact and Future Outlook
The arrest and subsequent de-listing of D4vd from his professional affiliations serve as a stark reminder of the precarious nature of fame and the severe repercussions of criminal allegations. For the music industry, this case raises questions about due diligence and the responsibilities of artists and their representatives.
The outcome of the legal proceedings will undoubtedly have a profound impact on D4vd’s future and the careers of those associated with him. If charges are filed and a conviction follows, it would represent a tragic end to a promising artistic journey. Conversely, if he is exonerated, the challenge of rebuilding his career and public image would be immense.
Beyond the immediate legal ramifications, the case also prompts reflection on societal issues surrounding youth, vulnerability, and the justice system. The tragic circumstances of Celeste Rivas’s death underscore the urgent need for continued efforts to protect young people and ensure that justice is served for victims. The coming weeks and months will be critical as the legal process unfolds, shedding further light on this deeply disturbing case.
