D4vd charged with first-degree murder in death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, 14, in Hollywood
Key Points:
- Singer and songwriter David Anthony Burke, known as D4vd, has been charged with first-degree murder, lewd acts with a minor under 14, and mutilating a body in connection with the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose dismembered remains were found in Burke's Tesla last year.
- Prosecutors allege Burke engaged in continuous sexual abuse of Hernandez starting when she was 13 and murdered her in April 2025 after she threatened to expose him, subsequently dismembering and storing her body in his car for months.
- The charges include special circumstances such as lying in wait, murder for financial gain, and murder of a witness, with potential penalties including life without parole or the death penalty; Burke has pleaded not guilty.
- Hernandez was reported missing in April 2024, and her remains were discovered in September 2025 at a Hollywood tow yard; the investigation faced criticism for limited public details, but authorities emphasize a thorough forensic and digital evidence review.
- Burke's family supports him despite the charges, and he has canceled several tour dates following the case's development; Burke remains jailed without bail and is scheduled for a court appearance on Thursday.