D4vd charged with murder in death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez
D4vd charged with murder in the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez; prosecutors allege sexual abuse, dismemberment and special-circumstance enhancements.
Singer D4vd charged with murder in the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez pleaded not guilty as Los Angeles prosecutors outlined a case that includes allegations of sexual abuse and body mutilation.
Authorities say the musician, whose legal name is David Burke, faces first-degree murder and related counts that carry special circumstances making him eligible for life without parole or the death penalty.
Burke was arrested at a Hollywood residence and is being held without bail as the investigation and pretrial proceedings move forward.
Arrest, charges and plea
Burke, 21, was taken into custody at a Hollywood home and booked on multiple counts including first-degree murder, lewd acts with a minor and mutilation of a body.
Court filings and the prosecution’s announcement on Monday said Burke entered a not guilty plea as prosecutors prepare to present evidence supporting the charges.
His lawyers issued a statement asserting his innocence and saying they will vigorously defend him against the allegations.
Discovery of remains and vehicle evidence
Prosecutors say the dismembered and decomposed body of Celeste Rivas Hernandez was discovered in September inside an apparently abandoned Tesla linked to the singer.
Investigators reported finding a cadaver bag at a tow yard that emitted a strong odor of decay and contained insect activity; when partially unzipped, detectives say they observed a head and torso.
Medical examiners later found arms and legs had been severed and a second black bag with additional body parts was located beneath the first, court documents state.
Allegations of sexual abuse and timeline
Court records allege Rivas Hernandez was subjected to continuous sexual abuse beginning in September 2023 through September 2024, when prosecutors say she was 13 at the start of that period.
Authorities say the girl went to Burke’s Hollywood Hills residence on April 23, 2025, and “was never heard from again,” according to the district attorney’s office.
The complaint further asserts the alleged sex crime would have made Rivas Hernandez a potential witness in subsequent investigative steps.
Special-circumstance enhancements and possible penalties
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced the case includes special circumstances such as lying in wait, committing the crime for financial gain and the alleged killing of a witness in an investigation.
Those enhancements expose Burke to the harshest sentencing options under California law, including life without the possibility of parole or a recommendation for the death penalty.
Hochman said prosecutors will decide later whether to seek capital punishment as the case develops.
Grand jury probe and handling of evidence
Court documents disclose that a Los Angeles County grand jury had been conducting a secret investigation into the death prior to Burke’s arrest.
That secrecy was partially lifted after subpoenas issued to Burke’s family in Texas sparked objections and effectively revealed his designation as a target of the probe.
Police also sought and obtained court orders restricting public release of autopsy details; prosecutors said those restrictions were likely to be reconsidered following the formal filing of charges.
Career, public reaction and next steps
D4vd rose to prominence among younger listeners with a 2022 viral hit and subsequent releases on Darkroom and Interscope, but his touring schedule was halted amid reports tying him to the investigation.
Promoters cancelled remaining North American dates and a planned European trek after publicity about the probe intensified, and industry and fan communities have responded with shock and calls for full accountability.
Defense attorneys maintain Burke did not cause Rivas Hernandez’s death and say the evidence will prove his innocence as the case proceeds through the courts.
Pretrial proceedings are expected to focus on forensic findings from the vehicle and the sealed autopsy, witness testimony and the alleged timeline of abuse and disappearance.
As prosecutors review whether to seek the death penalty, the case will likely involve extended pretrial motions and hearings as both sides prepare for trial.
