Singer D4vd charged with murder in death of 14-year-old girl

Alt-pop singer D4vd was charged Monday with first-degree murder in the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose dismembered remains were found in the trunk of a Tesla at a Hollywood tow yard, Los Angeles County prosecutors announced.

Prosecutors allege D4vd killed the teenager to silence her after she threatened to expose their sexual relationship — a motive they argue was rooted in protecting his music career. Celeste was a reported runaway from Riverside County, a region bordering Orange County.

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced the charges — which also include continuous sexual acts with a minor, lewd and lascivious acts with a minor, and mutilation of human remains — at a news conference Monday.

"These charges include the most serious charges that a D.A.'s office can bring — that is, first-degree murder with special circumstances," Hochman told reporters, according to ABC News. If convicted as charged, D4vd faces life in prison without the possibility of parole or the death penalty; prosecutors said the decision on whether to seek capital punishment would be made at a later date.

Prosecutors allege D4vd, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, invited Celeste to his Hollywood Hills home on April 23, 2025, killed her with a sharp instrument, dismembered her body and concealed her remains in his Tesla. Celeste's body was not found until September 2025, when it was discovered at a Hollywood tow yard. Prosecutors believe the mutilation occurred on May 5, 2025.

"This murder was committed for financial gain, as the evidence will show in court," Hochman said. "The financial gain was for Mr. Burke to maintain his very lucrative musical career that Celeste was threatening." The special circumstances cited include lying in wait, financial gain, and murdering a witness to an investigation.

D4vd pleaded not guilty at his arraignment Monday. His attorneys disputed the allegations in a statement: "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. We will vigorously defend David's innocence." D4vd's parents also issued a statement saying they "support and stand by him one hundred percent," adding they were "terribly disappointed" by the district attorney's decision to file charges.

Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell, appearing alongside prosecutors, said, "I want to be clear about something — my duty is not to fuel speculation, it's to deliver justice," according to ABC News. The investigation lasted seven months from the discovery of Celeste's remains to the filing of charges.

D4vd, held without bail, is due back in court Thursday. Hochman told reporters, "I am a parent of three children. And a parent's nightmare is a situation where your daughter goes out one night and never comes back."