Singer D4vd Charged with First-Degree Murder in Teen Girl’s Death

Singer D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, was charged Monday with first-degree murder in the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose remains were found in the trunk of his Tesla in Los Angeles in September 2025.

Charges and Allegations

According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, Burke faces charges of first-degree murder, continuous sexual abuse, and mutilation of human remains. Prosecutors are seeking three enhancements to the murder charge: lying in wait, financial gain, and murdering a witness to an investigation. The district attorney alleged that Burke killed Celeste to maintain his music career and that she was a witness to lewd and lascivious sexual acts allegations against him.

Case Details

The criminal complaint alleges that the sexual abuse of Celeste occurred “on or between” September 7, 2023, and September 7, 2024, even as Burke resided with and had recurring access to the child. Celeste would have turned 13 years old on September 7, 2023. The special circumstances mean Burke may face life in prison up to a potential death penalty. A determination on whether to seek capital punishment will be made at a later date.

Discovery of Remains

In September 2025, a severely decomposed body was discovered inside a bag in the front trunk of a Tesla registered to Burke at an impound lot in Hempstead, Texas. The remains were later identified as Celeste Rivas Hernandez, who had been missing since April 24, 2024. A decomposed head and torso were found in a cadaver bag inside the Tesla, with additional dismembered body parts discovered in a second bag inside the vehicle.

Legal Proceedings

Burke was arrested last week in connection with Celeste’s death. He has pleaded not guilty, and his lawyers have vowed to fight the allegations. The case is being prosecuted by Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman.

Related Developments

The district attorney noted that these charges represent some of the most serious that his office can bring. The case has drawn significant attention due to the nature of the allegations and the victim’s young age.

As of Monday, April 27, 2026, Burke remains in custody awaiting trial. The prosecution continues to build its case, while the defense prepares its defense strategy.

Singer D4vd Charged with First-Degree Murder in Teen Girl’s Death

Singer D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, was charged Monday with first-degree murder in the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose remains were found in the trunk of his Tesla in Los Angeles in September 2025.

Charges and Allegations

According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, Burke faces charges of first-degree murder, continuous sexual abuse, and mutilation of human remains. Prosecutors are seeking three enhancements to the murder charge: lying in wait, financial gain, and murdering a witness to an investigation. The district attorney alleged that Burke killed Celeste to maintain his music career and that she was a witness to lewd and lascivious sexual acts allegations against him.

Case Details

The criminal complaint alleges that the sexual abuse of Celeste occurred “on or between” September 7, 2023, and September 7, 2024, while Burke resided with and had recurring access to the child. Celeste would have turned 13 years old on September 7, 2023. The special circumstances mean Burke may face life in prison up to a potential death penalty. A determination on whether to seek capital punishment will be made at a later date.

Discovery of Remains

In September 2025, a severely decomposed body was discovered inside a bag in the front trunk of a Tesla registered to Burke at an impound lot in Hempstead, Texas. The remains were later identified as Celeste Rivas Hernandez, who had been missing since April 24, 2024. A decomposed head and torso were found in a cadaver bag inside the Tesla, with additional dismembered body parts discovered in a second bag inside the vehicle.

Legal Proceedings

Burke was arrested last week in connection with Celeste’s death. He has pleaded not guilty, and his lawyers have vowed to fight the allegations. The case is being prosecuted by Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman.

Related Developments

The district attorney noted that these charges represent some of the most serious that his office can bring. The case has drawn significant attention due to the nature of the allegations and the victim’s young age.

As of Monday, April 27, 2026, Burke remains in custody awaiting trial. The prosecution continues to build its case, while the defense prepares its defense strategy.