D4vd charged with murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez | Crime News
Singer Charged with Murder in Death of 14-Year-Old Girl
D4vd Faces Multiple Charges Including First-Degree Murder and Lewd Acts with a Minor
D4vd, a 21-year-old singer whose legal name is David Burke, has been charged in connection with the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, who was last seen nearly a year ago. The charges include first-degree murder, lewd acts with a minor, and mutilation of a body. Burke entered a not guilty plea on Monday.
According to prosecutors, Rivas Hernandez’s dismembered and decomposed remains were discovered in September inside a Tesla linked to Burke. Prosecutors indicated that the case involves special circumstances, including lying in wait and the alleged killing of a witness, making Burke eligible for life in prison without parole or the death penalty. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman stated that the decision on whether to seek the death penalty will be made later.
Burke was arrested Thursday at a home in Hollywood and is currently being held without bail. Rivas Hernandez, who could have provided testimony about the accusations against Burke, is the alleged victim in this case. Rivas Hernandez reportedly disappeared on April 23, 2025, after visiting Burke’s Hollywood Hills residence.
According to court documents, Burke is accused of having engaged in continuous sexual abuse of Rivas Hernandez for at least one year, starting when she was 13 years old in September 2023. Hochman indicated that the investigation is still ongoing, with authorities believing Rivas Hernandez visited Burke’s home and “was never heard from again.”
Burke’s legal team asserted on Monday that the evidence will demonstrate his innocence. “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,” they stated, pledging to defend his innocence vigorously.
In a parallel development, court documents revealed that Burke was under investigation by a Los Angeles County grand jury regarding Rivas Hernandez’s death. The inquiry was kept confidential until February, when family members contested subpoenas for their testimony in a Texas court. A Tesla Model Y registered in Burke’s name was identified in connection with the case, although law enforcement did not publicly name him as a suspect until his arrest.
Investigators reported finding a cadaver bag inside the vehicle, which contained human remains, and noted a strong odor of decay at the scene. Specific details regarding the cause of death have not been made public, as a judge has issued a gag order on the release of autopsy information.
D4vd has gained significant popularity for his music, particularly for his viral TikTok hit “Romantic Homicide,” which reached number four on Billboard’s Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart. Following the discovery of Rivas Hernandez’s body and subsequent reports on his alleged involvement, he canceled his final two North American tour dates and a planned European tour.
