Singer D4vd Charged With Murder of 14-Year-Old Celeste Rivas Hernandez

On April 20, 2026, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman announced that musician David Anthony Burke, known professionally as D4vd, was charged with capital murder in connection with the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The victim’s decomposed and dismembered remains were found in Burke’s vehicle, which had been impounded in September 2025.

According to prosecutors, Burke engaged in repeated sexual acts with the minor, who was under 14 years old at the time. When Celeste threatened to expose his alleged criminal conduct and jeopardize his music career, Burke allegedly murdered her, dismembered her body, and placed the remains in two bags inside the front trunk of his car. The body remained there for over four months before being discovered at a tow yard on September 8, 2025.

Burke, born March 28, 2005, faces multiple charges including murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains. Special circumstance allegations include murder of a witness, murder for financial gain, lying in wait, and personal use of a sharp instrument as a deadly weapon during the crime. If convicted, he could face life without parole or the death penalty.

The family of Celeste Rivas Hernandez released their first public statement on April 21, 2026, expressing their grief and desire for justice. “We miss her deeply. All we want is justice for Celeste,” they said, describing her as a beautiful, strong girl who loved to sing and dance and cherished weekly movie nights with them.

Burke was arraigned on April 20, 2026, in Department 30 of the Foltz Criminal Justice Center. His defense team has indicated plans to challenge the evidence, asserting that it will display he did not commit the murder. However, prosecutors maintain that the case is supported by substantial forensic and circumstantial evidence.

As of April 24, 2026, the case remains active, with further court proceedings expected to reveal additional details about the investigation and evidence presented by both sides.