Singer D4vd Formally Charged with First-Degree Murder in Teen's Death
American singer-songwriter D4vd, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The charges were announced by Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman during a news conference, revealing that the singer could face life imprisonment without parole or potentially the death penalty if convicted.
Gruesome Discovery and Investigation Challenges
The case centers around the discovery of Celeste Rivas Hernandez's dismembered and decomposed body, which was found in September 2025 inside what appeared to be an abandoned Tesla registered to the singer. According to authorities, the vehicle was parked on a street near Burke's Hollywood Hills residence and was later towed after neighbors reported it as abandoned. An employee at the tow yard alerted police after detecting a strong, foul odor emanating from the vehicle.
Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell acknowledged the significant investigative challenges presented by the substantial time lapse between the teen's death and the discovery of her remains. "The substantial amount of time that passed between her death and the discovery meant that crucial evidence had degraded or disappeared," McDonnell stated. "As detectives worked to uncover the truth, they also had to sift through and debunk a great deal of false information circulating publicly."
Prosecution's Case and Special Circumstances
District Attorney Hochman detailed that the murder charge includes three special circumstances:
- Lying in wait
- Committing murder for financial gain
- Murdering a witness in an investigation
Hochman specifically addressed the financial gain aspect, stating that it related to "Mr. Burke to maintain his very lucrative musical career that Celeste was threatening on that night." Additionally, the prosecutor revealed that Celeste was a witness to "the lewd and lascivious sexual acts committed by Mr. Burke," providing further context for the witness murder special circumstance.
According to court documents, Celeste visited Burke's Hollywood Hills home on April 23, 2025, and was never heard from again. The discovery of her body occurred in September 2025, one day after what would have been her 15th birthday, while Burke was in Minneapolis promoting his debut album "Withered" during a world tour.
Defense Maintains Innocence
Burke's legal team has vigorously maintained his innocence. Attorneys Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski, and Regina Peter issued a joint statement asserting, "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 defense emphasized that "the singer has only been detained under suspicion" and noted that "there has been no indictment returned by any grand jury in this case and no criminal complaint filed." However, court documents released in February indicate that a grand jury has been investigating the singer in connection with Celeste's death.
Victim's Background and Family Response
Celeste Rivas Hernandez was remembered by loved ones as a teenager with a soft smile and thick, curly hair. She was 13 years old when she was first reported missing by her family in early 2024, marking the beginning of a series of urgent pleas as friends and family grew increasingly concerned about her safety and whereabouts.
Authorities have not established a precise timeline for when Celeste was killed, though court records indicate she was 14 at the time of her death. Photographs obtained by CNN suggest she was alive almost a year after she was first reported missing.
The victim's family has largely remained out of public view since the discovery of her body. Family attorney Patrick Steinfeld stated, "The Rivas Hernandez family is committed to ensuring that Celeste's voice is heard and her memory is honored throughout this process."
Current Status and Legal Proceedings
Authorities arrested Burke on April 16 on suspicion of killing Celeste, taking him into custody at a residence in the Hollywood Hills just over a mile from the tow yard where the girl's body was discovered inside his car. He is currently being held in jail without bail as the legal proceedings continue.
The charges come nearly two years after the third and final time Celeste was reported missing by her family, capping what had become increasingly desperate attempts to locate the seventh grader. The case continues to develop as both prosecution and defense prepare for what promises to be a closely watched legal battle.
