On April 16, 2026, at approximately 5:20 p.m., detectives with the Los Angeles Police Department’s Robbery-Homicide Division announced the arrest of a suspect in connection to the death of a teenage girl whose body was previously discovered inside a vehicle. Upon arrival during the original investigation, officers had located the victim deceased inside the trunk of a Tesla SUV in Los Angeles, California.
The victim was identified as 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
According to investigators, Hernandez’s body was discovered on September 8, 2025, after employees reported a foul odor coming from a Tesla Model Y that had been sitting abandoned for several days in the Hollywood Hills area. Authorities later confirmed the vehicle was registered to 21-year-old David Anthony Burke.
Detectives stated that Burke was taken into custody on April 16, 2026, at a residence in Los Angeles. He is currently being held without bail as the case is prepared for formal review.
Investigators have indicated that Burke had been previously identified as a person of interest during the course of the investigation, with evidence suggesting a prior connection between him and the victim. The case remained active for several months as detectives worked to establish the timeline leading up to Hernandez’s death.
Law enforcement officials confirmed that the case will be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office on April 20, 2026, for filing consideration.
Prosecutors will review the evidence to determine whether formal charges will be filed. Additional details are expected following that review.
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