Singer D4vd arrested on suspicion of murdering teenage girl
US singer D4vd has been arrested on suspicion of murdering a teenage girl who went missing last year, police say.
The star, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, was the target of a grand jury investigation into the apparent murder of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose remains were found in his Tesla in September.
The Los Angeles Police Department said on Thursday that the 21-year-old was being held without bail and the case will be presented to the District Attorney's office on Monday.
In a statement to US media, Burke's lawyers said: "Let us be clear - 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."
They added: "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."
Police earlier said they had arrested Burke "for the murder of Celeste Rivas".
Questions had been mounting since the discovery on 8 September of the 14-year-old's remains in a Hollywood tow yard, after authorities received reports of a foul odour coming from the vehicle.
Investigators found her decomposed head and torso in a cadaver bag in the front boot of a Tesla car registered to D4vd's address in Texas, court documents said.
The county's medical examiner said the body was "severely decomposed" and deferred on making a ruling on how she died pending the death investigation. She might have been dead "for several weeks" before the discovery of her body, officials said.
No cause of death in the teen's case has been announced, with authorities only saying for months that they were treating the case as a death investigation.
A judge ordered that the teen's death records be sealed in November to ensure officers received information from the medical examiner before the public.
Rivas Hernandez - who lived about 75 miles (120km) from where her body was discovered - had last been reported missing by her family in April 2024, but it was not the first time she had run away from their Lake Elsinore home. A first-generation daughter of immigrant parents from El Salvador, neighbours recognised her as a girl who would visit the corner store almost daily to buy candy and soda, according to the Los Angeles Times.
The lack of information in the macabre death has fuelled intrigue and ignited an online following, with many hypothesising about the girl's connection to the singer.
A grand jury began hearing evidence in the case in December, but Burke's arrest on Thursday marks the first significant development in the case in months.
More details about the case emerged in court filings after the singer's family was summoned from Texas by a California court to testify before the grand jury.
When Dawud Burke, D4vd's father, fought against the summons in a Texas court he included material from the California case that had not been previously available to the public.
The filings, obtained by the BBC, confirmed that D4vd had been identified as a "target" of a grand jury investigation in Los Angeles and that he may be subject to proceedings for one count of murder.
The singer has been virtually silent on the case, but his representatives previously said he was co-operating with authorities. The BBC has contacted his representatives about Thursday's arrest.
The few details that have so far been shared with the public before include that Rivas Hernandez was wearing a tube top, size small black leggings and jewellery, including a yellow metal stud earring and a yellow metal chain bracelet, when her body was found.
She also had a tattoo that read "Shhh…" on her index finger - a marking nearly identical to that on Burke's own index finger.
Who is D4vd?
D4vd, from Houston, Texas, is best best known for moody, indie-pop hits like Here With Me and Romantic Homicide.
He initially made his name as a teenager, by posting videos of himself playing the video game Fortnite.
After teaching himself music production, he released his debut EP, Petals To Thorns, in 2023.
That same year, he landed on Variety's Young Hollywood list and opened for SZA on her SOS tour.
He released his debut album in April 2025, accumulating 22 million monthly listeners on Spotify and almost four million followers on TikTok.
He was also commissioned by Fortnite to create the game's first official anthem, Locked & Loaded.
Shortly after Hernandez's body was found, the singer cancelled his world tour and retreated from the spotlight.
Police previously said they had raided the Hollywood Hills mansion where he was living, just blocks from where his Tesla had been towed. He was also dropped from marketing campaigns with US retailer Hollister and footwear giant Crocs.
In September, Telepatía singer Kali Uchis announced she was taking down their collaboration, Crashing.
- BBC
Ernie Smith dies at 80
FLORIDA (THE GLEANER) - The music fraternity is mourning the passing of legendary singer Ernie Smith, who died on Thursday evening at a hospital in Florida.
“He’s gone. He’s no longer with us,” his wife, Claudette Bailey-Smith, told The Gleaner.
Earlier on Thursday, Bailey-Smith had shared that the beloved reggae and folk singer, who underwent surgery on Sunday, had been experiencing health challenges since June last year.
“That surgical procedure had to do with an intestinal issue. He is now stable, and [since Wednesday] he has been a little bit more alert and responding to commands. He opened his eyes fully for the first time since Sunday, and I asked him to squeeze my hand, and he squeezed it strong,” Bailey-Smith, his wife of three years, shared at the time.
She stated, however, that the Life is Just for Living singer was still not yet out of the woods and required another procedure.
Later that day, however, the All for Jesus singer took his final breath.
His wife praised the hospital staff for the excellent care that was given to the iconic singer and thanked those who reached out with their prayers and well-wishes.
Joanna Marie Robinson, a member of Smith’s management team, said that “Ernie Smith was a true treasure to Jamaica and to the world.
“Today, we mourn not only the loss of a legendary artiste, but also the loss of a remarkable man whose warmth, wisdom, and spirit touched so many lives,” Robinson, who is the wife of singer Ed Robinson, told The Gleaner.
Ernie Smith began his music career in the late 1960s. By 1971, he found success with the songs Bend Down and Ride on Sammy. Among his well-loved hits are Pitta Patta, Duppy Gunman and Key Card. In 1972, he won the Yamaha Music Festival in Japan with Life Is Just For Living, a song originally written for a Red Stripe commercial. In 1973, he was awarded the Badge of Honour for Meritorious Service in the Field of Music by the Jamaican government. The award recognised his contribution to Jamaica’s cultural heritage.
BLOCKED!
KINGSTON (THE GLEANER) - Shockwaves rippled through the global track and field community – particularly in Jamaica – after World Athletics (WA) on Thursday blocked the transfer of allegiance to Türkiye for 11 professional athletes in an unprecedented ruling.
WA said the move, first revealed in June 2024, amounted to a coordinated state recruitment effort driven by financial inducements, with athletes lacking any genuine connection to Türkiye. The governing body argued that such arrangements undermine eligibility rules and threaten the integrity of international competition.
Among those affected are Jamaicans Jaydon Hibbert, Rajindra Campbell, Wayne Pinnock and Roje Stona, along with Nigeria’s Favour Ofili.
Analysts say the implications extend far beyond competition, touching on governance, fairness, and athletes’ rights.
Attorney-at-law Sayeed Bernard, who has represented athletes before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), questioned WA’s decision to assess the cases collectively rather than individually.
DISADVANTAGE TO ATHLETE
He suggested that that approach could disadvantage athletes with specific personal circumstances, pointing to Ofili and Campbell.
Ofili missed the 100m at the Paris Olympics due to administrative failures by her federation, while Campbell has struggled with limited financial backing despite winning Jamaica’s first Olympic medal in the throws. This, Campbell said, placed a financial toll on his training regime.
Bernard argued that such realities should be weighed carefully.
“World Athletics has to take that into consideration as it relates to why she (Ofili) is transferring her allegiance,” he said, adding that inadequate support systems can push athletes to seek better opportunities elsewhere.
“Jamaica, for example, does not support Rajindra Campbell – little to no financial support and lack of proper facilities to prepare – so he says well better mi try transfer and try my luck because I will have better training,” he told The Gleaner.
Any appeal must first go back to WA’s Nationality Review Panel – the same body that denied the transfers – before reaching CAS.
Bernard argued that success at CAS would likely depend on whether each athlete’s situation is judged on its own merits, particularly where lack of support affects preparation and earning potential.
“They (WA) basically said state-orchestrated, financially induced, and a mass-athlete recruitment will not be recognised as a valid reason for transfer of allegiance. That, to my mind, is a bold interpretation of the regulations, and so it will remain to be seen now if CAS would disturb that to say, notwithstanding the [number] of athletes going to any particular nation, each athlete must be taken on his or her own merit,” the attorney reasoned.
If approved, the transfers would have made the athletes eligible to represent Türkiye at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, and there is speculation that some may have already begun receiving financial support tied to the move.
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
Bernard said contractual obligations could now become central to the dispute, noting that athletes may have already fulfilled their part of the agreement.
“For what we know, they said it was a sign-on bonus. As far as I am concerned, in the ordinary interpretation, devoid of having sight of the contract to see if there is any definition of what signing on means, they would have signed contracts, signed several documents in order for Turkiye to effect this process through World Athletics. And so, in my view, on a generous interpretation, they would have done their part, and it is not as a result of anything they have done or not done as to why World Athletics has made this order,” said the attorney.
The ruling has also reignited debate in Jamaica about opportunities for athletes compared to other professionals who migrate for better pay.
Sociologist Orville Taylor said the comparison is flawed, noting that switching sporting allegiance does not necessarily involve abandoning citizenship, unlike traditional labour migration governed by the International Labour Organization (ILO).
“You are moving for financial gain, yes, but you are not abdicating your relationship with your country, so it’s not a case where you are dropping your citizenship and involving yourself in a kind of mercenary-type situation,” Taylor told The Gleaner.
“So it is really not quite the same thing because at the end of the day, you are still Jamaican, unless you have actually gone through the entire immigration process.,” he continued.
Taylor added that while ILO standards aim to regulate recruitment and prevent exploitation, they have not kept pace with modern sport. He acknowledged that financial incentives in athletics raise legitimate concerns about fairness and the potential commodification of talent.
“If you want to draw some kind of comparison between these athletes, who don’t necessarily have any kind of feeling towards the country but are moving because of financial gain, the overall principles surrounding mercenaries, I think, would perhaps apply, and mercenaries are something that I think the ILO generally frowns upon,” he said. “But they are not mercenaries in the true sense because the ILO clearly defines mercenary as an individual who engages or attempts to engage in conflict.”
Still, he warned that unchecked recruitment by wealthy nations could erode the spirit of international sport.
“Just imagine what happens in the case where a country with immense wealth is able to completely poach the resources, the athletic resources from somewhere else. Now I don’t have a problem in principle with an individual deciding that he or she is going to make a decision at the individual level to move to do things which are in the best interest of one’s family, but it cannot be wanton, and it cannot be unregulated,” Taylor reasoned.
Psychologist Dr Leachim Semaj said the delayed ruling – coming 10 months after the applications were filed – is likely to have a deep emotional impact on the athletes, many of whom had already committed mentally to the transition.
“The athletes have already left. They left long time ago. From you start thinking about this you start working it through psychologically, you know, back and forth with your family, those close to you, and when you get to the point where it is accepted, you have made the transition,” said Semaj.
Explaining that decisions of this magnitude involve extensive planning and emotional investment, a sudden reversal, he noted, could be devastating.
“So they’ll go through a period of doing nothing, ... in grief, and they will have broken ties psychologically, broken ties with Jamaica, broken ties with their team already, and all of that, now having to come back and reintegrate themselves with their country and team. That’s going to take some doing,” said Semaj.
He added that reintegration into their original teams and national setups could also prove difficult, with some athletes facing questions of loyalty or even reconsidering their careers.
Multi-Agency Dragnet reveals the following Interceptions
The Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force (RT&CIPF), alongside partner agencies, the TCI Regiment, and the TCI Border Force, is currently responding to a suspected illegal irregular migration incident involving Haitian sloops in the vicinity of East Caicos.
Today, April 10, 2026, at approximately 7:30 a.m., law enforcement agencies responded to a developing situation involving a suspected vessel grounded off East Caicos.
Initial reports indicate that several individuals were in the water, with vessels located off the South Bush area.
Rescue and interception efforts are actively underway, with law enforcement and partner agencies working to ensure the safe recovery and processing of all individuals involved.
Thus far, twenty-nine (29) people are in custody.
Acting Governor Her Excellency Anya Williams was at Police Headquarters to oversee the efforts and coordinate with law enforcement officials. Her Excellency expressed her continued commitment to the safety and well-being of all affected individuals and emphasized the importance of a swift, organized response in this situation.
Also in attendance were Deputy Premier Hon Jamal Robinson, Commissioner Fitz Bailey, members of the Executive, along with heads of law enforcement and key agencies.
A Critical Incident Command Structure has been activated to:
*Establish clear command and control
*Coordinate a multi-agency operational response
*Ensure the effective deployment of resources
On Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at approximately 8:30 a.m., information was received about a vessel landing at Joe Grant Cay, an island located near East Caicos. In response to this information, assets from multiple agencies, including immigration officials and law enforcement, were promptly deployed to the area.
Seventy-seven (77) individuals were apprehended, including unaccompanied minors.
All individuals were transported to South Caicos, where they are detained and being processed in
accordance with immigration laws and established protocols.
Search operations are still underway in nearby areas.
The RT&CIPF will provide further updates as more information becomes available.
First FIFA Arena Pitch Completed Through TCIFA and Government Partnership
The Turks & Caicos Islands Football Association (TCIFA) is proud to announce the successful completion of the first FIFA Arena mini-pitch at Kew Town Park, marking a major milestone in expanding access to football across the Islands.
With one pitch now complete, attention turns to the Adelaide Oemler Primary School in North Caicos, where the second FIFA Arena pitch is expected to be completed within the next week.
This achievement forms part of FIFA’s global FIFA Arena initiative, championed by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, which aims to deliver at least 1,000 mini-pitches worldwide, creating more opportunities for children to play the game and fostering development within communities.
A Vision Realized Through Strong Partnership
For TCIFA President Sonia Fulford, this milestone represents the realization of a long-standing vision.
“This initiative holds deep personal significance for me, as it reflects something I have advocated for over many years, bringing accessible football facilities into our communities. While earlier efforts did not come to fruition, I remained confident that this was exactly what our country needed. To now see it delivered through the FIFA Arena programme is incredibly rewarding.”
President Fulford emphasized that the successful delivery of the project reflects the strength of collaboration between FIFA, TCIFA, and the Turks & Caicos Islands Government.
“We are grateful to FIFA for leading this global initiative and for bringing this opportunity to the Turks & Caicos Islands. At the local level, TCIFA worked in close partnership with the Government and key stakeholders to support the successful delivery of the project on the ground.”
She added, “The Government played a critical role in the execution of these projects, including the preparation and completion of the sub-base, support with logistics in facilitating the arrival of materials into the Turks & Caicos Islands, and assistance on the ground during the installation process. Importantly, the Government will also play a key role in the ongoing maintenance and oversight of these facilities to ensure their long-term sustainability and benefit to our communities.”
President Fulford also commended the Government’s leadership:
“I must commend the Government of the Turks & Caicos Islands, and in particular the Hon. Rachel Taylor and her team, for their decisive leadership and unwavering support. Their willingness to embrace this initiative and move with purpose has been instrumental in bringing these facilities to life for our people.”
The Hon. Minister also shared her remarks on the significance of the initiative:
“This project represents a meaningful investment in our communities and our young people. Through this partnership with FIFA and the Turks and Caicos Islands Football Association, we have been able to deliver high-quality sporting infrastructure that expands access to the game across our islands. The Government remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote youth development, healthy lifestyles, and community engagement, and we will ensure these facilities are properly maintained for the long-term benefit of our people.”
A Lasting Investment in Youth and Community
The FIFA Arena pitches are designed to provide safe, high-quality playing spaces for children and young people, particularly in communities where access to sporting facilities has been limited.
“These facilities represent a powerful investment in our youth and in the future of our country. They are spaces where potential will be discovered, confidence will be built, and dreams will begin to take shape, both on and off the field.”
President Fulford also issued a call to the public:
“As we celebrate this milestone, I am encouraging our communities to take pride in these facilities. We must all play our part in protecting, caring for, and preserving them. These pitches belong to our youth, and their longevity depends on the respect and responsibility we show as a people.”
Looking Ahead
With the North Caicos pitch nearing completion, TCIFA is already looking toward future opportunities to expand the programme.
“It is my sincere hope that the successful delivery of these two pitches will position the Turks & Caicos Islands to benefit from additional FIFA Arena installations. The need across our islands is clear, and we remain committed to continuing this important work for our communities.”
An official inauguration ceremony, led by FIFA representatives, is expected to take place in the coming weeks to formally mark the completion of both facilities
Bahamas reign supreme at Aquatic Championships after Carifta
The Bahamas delivered yet another commanding performance in the pool to capture their eighth consecutive CARIFTA Aquatics Championships title here on Tuesday.
The defending champions staved off an early challenge from Jamaica in the opening days of competition to capture their 10th title in 11 years after totaling 795 points.
Their arch-rivals Jamaica was a distant second on 754.50 points, just ahead of third-placed Trinidad and Tobago on 747 points. Barbados (638.50) and Cayman Islands (547.50) finished fourth and fifth respectively, with the host nation accumulating 489 points to be sixth.
Interestingly, The Bahamas ended the meet with 55 medals (21 gold, 13 silver, 21 bronze) second-most behind Trinidad and Tobago, who captured 59 medals comprising 20 gold, 19 silver and 20 bronze.
Jamaica, meanwhile, took home 50 medals (15 gold, 14 silver, 21 bronze).
Despite capturing the fourth-most medals (47), Barbados finished atop the medal standings with 23 gold medals, along with 13 silver and 11 bronze.
Source- CMC
DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM REGULATIONS KICKSTARTS TRAIN-THE-TRAINER PROGRAM AT THE RITZ-CARLTON
The Department of Tourism Regulations (DTR) has officially launched its Train-the-Trainer Program at The Ritz-Carlton, Turks & Caicos, making the property the first in the Turks and Caicos Islands to implement this important initiative.
The program equips certified Human Resources professionals within hotel properties to deliver in-house TIDES (Together, Individuals, Delivering Excellent Service) training to their teams. Through this approach, the Department is empowering industry professionals to take an active role in strengthening service standards and cultural awareness across the destination.
As part of the wider national initiative, newly certified trainers are equipped to deliver engaging sessions on historical landmarks and local heritage, traditional dishes and customs, and the unique identity of each island throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands.
At The Ritz-Carlton, the training team demonstrated exceptional passion and enthusiasm throughout the program, bringing the TIDES curriculum to life through interactive and immersive methods. Training delivery included cultural re-enactments, traditional attire, and food sampling to deepen employees’ connection to local culture.
Commenting on the success of the launch of the Train the Trainer initiative at the Ritz Carlton, Avi Adams said the following, “The Train the Trainer Program is a major step in the continuation of building a strong brand for the TCI.
Equipping front-line hospitality employees with the knowledge to deliver top-class experiences for our guests will set TCI apart from the rest of the world. We hope that with future consultation with stakeholders, we can continue to strengthen the effectiveness of our program.”
The first training class at the property commenced on March 17, with a total of three (3) sessions conducted during the initial rollout. Over 150 staff members participated, reflecting strong engagement and commitment from the team.
This initiative forms part of DTR’s broader vision to embed consistent, high-quality service delivery across the tourism sector by placing training ownership directly within hotel teams.
TCI TOP MODEL HOSTED PROFESSIONAL BRANDING WORKSHOP WITH COMMUNICATIONS EXPERT
Over the weekend, the TCI Top Model organising committee held a professional development workshop for its 2026 contestants titled “Radiate Authenticity: Building Your Personal Brand & Public Presence". Led by communications strategist Takara Bain, the session equipped aspiring models with practical skills to manage their digital reputations and professional identities.
The training, designed to help contestants navigate the transition from private individuals to public figures, recognised that digital platforms increasingly function as a professional résumé. The workshop provided the 2026 cohort with a specialist toolkit for managing social media with poise and a professional mindset.
A key feature of the session was an in-depth focus on emotional intelligence (EQ), integrity and core values. Miss Bain emphasised that a sustainable career in the public eye is built on more than aesthetics; it requires character, resilience and the integrity to represent brands and yourself with honour. Contestants examined how to align personal values with professional conduct and how to remain steadfast under public scrutiny.
As Owner of All Eyes On You Communications TCI Ltd and Director of Public Service Affairs for the Turks and Caicos Islands Government, Miss Takara Bain brought a dual perspective to the training. Her curriculum went beyond basic social media guidance to explore the professional responsibilities of national representation.
Participants took part in live “brand audits” and sessions on “digital footprint management". The workshop also addressed the internal chain of command within professional modelling contracts, stressing that once a model is signed, external opportunities must be vetted and approved by management to protect both the model and the organisation.
“In today’s global fashion and entertainment industry, a model is no longer just a face; they are a person of influence and a representative of the products or company’s core values,” said Miss Bain. “Through my work in both the private and public sectors, I have seen how a reputation is built over time and how it can be affected by a single unthinking post. I aimed to ensure these young men and women understood that their digital presence is a professional reflection that never closes. We trained them to ‘Radiate Authenticity’ and to align their personal truths with a professional standard that commands respect from judges, sponsors and the public alike.”
Courtney Robinson, Founder and Executive Producer of TCI Top Model, said the workshop reaffirms TCI Top Model’s commitment to the holistic development of its participants. “TCI Top Model has always been about more than the runway; it is about discovering and developing ambassadors who can represent the Turks and Caicos Islands with distinction,” Mr Robinson said. “The education Miss Bain provided has given our contestants a sophisticated understanding of brand strategy. We want our participants to leave this competition not just with a title but with a durable professional reputation and the emotional intelligence to thrive in the spotlight. This training is about building careers that last.”
The Turks and Caicos’ premier fashion event returns bigger and bolder. Cycle 7 of TCI Top Model culminates in a spectacular Grand Finale on Saturday, May 2nd, 2026, at Brayton Hall, Providenciales – expect high fashion, fierce competition and unforgettable entertainment.
TCI’S FINANCIAL SERVICES COMMISSION CONGRATULATES ACTING MANAGING DIRECTOR ON BAR ASSOCIATION RECOGNITION
The Turks and Caicos Islands Financial Services Commission (FSC) extends warm congratulations to its Acting Managing Director, Kenisha Bacchus, on her recent recognition by the Turks and Caicos Islands Bar Association at its inaugural Annual General Meeting Awards.
Mrs Bacchus was honoured with the ‘President’s Recognition of Service’ in acknowledgment of her sustained professional engagement, principled leadership, and consistent contributions to the legal community. The award recognises individuals whose steady commitment strengthens institutions, supports the administration of justice, and enhances professional continuity across the jurisdiction.
Of the award, Mrs Bacchus said: “I am deeply honoured to receive the President’s Recognition of Service award. This award reflects not only my own efforts but the dedication of colleagues across the legal and regulatory community who work tirelessly to uphold the rule of law and strengthen our institutions. I am grateful to the Bar Association for this acknowledgement and remain committed to advancing professionalism, integrity and inclusive leadership for the benefit of the Turks and Caicos Islands.”
The FSC regards this acknowledgement as a meaningful affirmation of the importance of collaborative, service driven leadership in both regulatory and legal spheres. Mrs Bacchus’s work at the Commission has advanced regulatory capacity, promoted constructive engagement between regulators and legal practitioners, and reinforced the importance of integrity and experience in public service. Her recognition highlights the positive impact of women’s leadership in law, regulation, and governance across the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The event, held at the Key West Village Conference Centre at Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort on Providenciales, saw the entire Bar Council re‑elected unopposed for a second consecutive term.
The Bar Association’s inaugural awards also celebrated enduring contributions from the profession, including the conferment of the Order of the Bar on Ariel Misick KC and Carlos Simons KC, the Long Service to the Law Award presented to Desiree Downes, Principal Legislative Drafter at the Attorney General Chamber, and tributes to former Bar presidents whose stewardship has shaped the legal landscape. These honours reflect the Association’s commitment to preserving professional legacy and fostering a culture of recognition that will benefit future generations.
The FSC is proud to see Mrs Bacchus’s contribution formally acknowledged and congratulates the Turks and Caicos Islands Bar Association for establishing an important tradition that celebrates service, continuity, and excellence. The Commission looks forward to continued collaboration with the Bar to support resilient, ethical, and effective administration of justice throughout the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Akon announces new album, Beautiful Day
It's a Beautiful Day, as Akon has new music on the way. He's set to release a new album, Beautiful Day, on April 22.
The album will feature lead single “Akon’s Beautiful Day”; “Never Really Mattered" with rising sister group SIMIEN; “Que Calor" with DJ/producer OCHOK; and guest appearances from Stephen Marley, Tears of Joy, Ozuna and more.
Akon last released two studio albums in 2019 — the Latin-focused album El Negreeto and the Afrobeats album Akonda — which he's followed with some EPs, the most recent being 2023's Afro Freak.
He's set to hit the road with Ne-Yo as part of their Nights Like This tour. They are scheduled to perform in over 50 cities across the globe.
Source- ABC