D4vd Charged With First-Degree Murder in Death of 14-Year-Old Amid Career Scandal
Singer D4vd has been formally charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, in a case prosecutors say is tied to efforts to protect his rising music career.
D4vd faces first-degree murder and abuse charges in the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, prosecutors alleging a motive tied to his career.
Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for Coachella
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced the charges on Monday, April 20, just four days after the 21-year-old artist, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, was taken into custody. According to Hochman, the alleged killing occurred on April 23, 2025, shortly before the release of D4vd’s debut album, Withered, which debuted at No. 13 on the Billboard 200 chart.
During a press briefing, Hochman stated that the teenager had gone to Burke’s residence in the Hollywood Hills and was not seen or heard from afterward. Prosecutors allege that she was killed using a sharp instrument.
Authorities outlined a possible motive, claiming the victim had threatened to disclose an alleged underage sexual relationship involving Burke, who was 20 at the time. Prosecutors contend that the threat of exposure and potential damage to his career prompted the alleged actions.
In a statement, Hochman’s office further alleged that Burke dismembered the victim’s body and placed the remains into two bags, which were then stored in the front trunk of his vehicle. The district attorney described the case as both shocking and disturbing, while assuring the victim’s family that justice would be pursued.
The remains were discovered months later, in September, after police responded to reports of a foul smell coming from an impounded Tesla linked to Burke at a Hollywood tow yard. Inside the vehicle’s front trunk, authorities found two black bags containing decomposed body parts, later identified as belonging to Rivas. The remains reportedly included her head, torso, and limbs.
In addition to the murder charge, Burke faces counts of continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14 and mutilation of human remains. The murder charge carries a special circumstance allegation, meaning he could face the death penalty or life imprisonment without parole, though prosecutors have not yet decided whether capital punishment will be pursued.
Burke remains in custody without bail and is scheduled to appear in court for arraignment later Monday. His legal team has stated they intend to contest the charges, asserting that evidence will show he was not responsible for the victim’s death.
Following his arrest, defense attorneys Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski, and Regina Peter said they would strongly challenge the accusations, maintaining his innocence.
D4vd first gained recognition in 2022 with his single “Romantic Homicide,” which gained traction on TikTok and later reached No. 33 on the Billboard Hot 100. He went on to release his debut album after issuing two EPs and touring as an opening act on SZA’s SOS tour in 2023.
At the time the remains were found, he had been on a headlining tour, which was subsequently halted. Plans for a deluxe version of Withered were also abandoned, and he has since been dropped by Darkroom/Interscope Records, Sony Music Publishing, and The·Team.
