D4vd has been charged with first-degree murder over the death of teenager Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
In September 2025, the remains of the 14-year-old were recovered from the boot of a car in Los Angeles, after the LAPD responded to reports of a 'foul smell' coming from an impounded Tesla at a Hollywood tow yard.
It was later revealed that the car belonged to singer D4vd - real name David Anthony Burke - prompting law enforcement to launch an investigation into the 21-year-old.
Burke was arrested on suspicion of murder last week, with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office confirming that charges had been filed against him earlier today (20 April).
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Speaking about the incident in a press conference, District Attorney Nathan Hochman confirmed that Burke had been charged with the teenager's 'brutal and horrific murder'.
Describing the circumstances around Celeste's disappearance, Hochman told reporters that Celeste had allegedly left her home to visit Burke's residence in the Hollywood Hills on 23 April, 2025, before she was 'never heard from again'.
Her 'dismembered and decomposing' remains were then recovered from the front trunk of a Tesla registered to Burke in September.
Hochman confirmed that Burke had been charged with first-degree murder with special circumstances, which are:
- 'Lying in wait': in reference to Celeste allegedly being invited to Burke's home on 23, April, 2025
- 'Financial gain': Hochman alleged that Burke had killed Celeste to maintain his 'very lucrative' musical career that Celeste had been 'threatening on that particular night'
- 'Murdering a witness to an investigation': Hochman says there is evidence that Celeste was a witness to sexual acts committed by Burke while she was under 14 years old.
Hochman went on to add that prosecutors have filed two additional charges against Burke, alongside murder, which are:
- Continuous lewd acts with an individual under 14
- Mutilating the human remains of a body.
If found guilty, Burke faces either life without the possibility of parole or the death penalty.
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell also defended the delay in arresting and charging Burke after Celeste's remains were recovered, saying the investigation was focused on securing justice for Celeste's family.
"I want to be clear about something. My duty is not to fuel speculation. It's to deliver justice, and that requires patience and discipline on everybody's part," he said.
"This investigation was driven by a single purpose to secure justice for Celeste Rivas and for those who loved her.
"We had to be certain that nothing we did or said would ever jeopardise this case."
Burke's legal team are yet to comment on the charges; however, a statement issued after the singer's arrest said they would defend the case.
"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," a statement from Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski and Regina Peter read.
A timeline of Celeste Rivas Hernandez's death and the allegations against D4vd
April 2024
Celeste Rivas Hernandez, aged 13, is reported missing by her family from Lake Elsinore, California. It is the third time she is reported missing that year, but tragically she is never seen by her parents again.
25 April 2025
D4vd’s debut album Withered is released. It debuts at No. 13 on the Billboard chart, with 30,000 units sold in the first week. He tells The Hollywood Reporter that 80 percent of the album was made on his phone and he recorded vocal takes in his sister’s closet.
5 August 2025
D4vd begins a world tour, starting with a gig in Del Mar, California.
8 September 2025
Hernandez’s severely decomposed body is found in the front trunk of a Tesla linked to D4vd. D4vd’s representatives say he is cooperating with the investigation.
9 September 2025
D4vd performs as planned at The Fillmore Minneapolis, despite the ongoing investigation around Rivas’ death.
18 September 2025
Rivas’ family create a fundraiser and release a statement, which reads: “As many of you know, Celeste Rivas Hernandez has been identified as the body found last week. She was a beloved daughter, sister, cousin, and friend. Her family is heartbroken and devastated by this tragic loss. Any funds you are able to donate are greatly appreciated.” More than $24,000 is raised for them.
19 September 2025
D4vd cancels the rest of his world tour, and the deluxe version of his debut album is not released as planned.
24 November 2025
The Los Angeles medical examiners officer receives a court order preventing any details of Rivas’ death from being released to the public.
16 April 2026
D4vd is arrested and held without bail.
Brenna Cooper