Singer D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, has been charged with murder, lewd acts with a minor, and mutilating a body in connection with the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose remains were found in a Tesla registered to Burke in September 2024. Burke pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The abuse allegedly began in September 2023, when Celeste was 13, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office. Prosecutors said she was last seen alive on April 23, 2025. According to allegations in a criminal complaint, D4vd engaged in continuous sexual abuse of Rivas Hernandez for at least a year from September 2023 to September 2024. Authorities described Rivas Hernandez as a 'runaway' and said she was 14 when she was killed with a sharp object on or around April 23, 2025, at Burke's house in the Hollywood Hills. Rivas Hernandez was reported missing by her family in 2024, when she was 13.
We believe the actual evidence will show David Burke did not murder Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
The cause of death was multiple penetrating injuries, according to the Los Angeles County medical examiner's office. The medical examiner determined the cause of death on December 9 but was barred from releasing it until later, said Chief Medical Examiner Dr Odey Ukpo. Prosecutors allege Burke mutilated her body about two weeks later.
Prosecutors allege Burke killed Celeste because she posed a threat to his career. The murder charges include special circumstances (lying in wait, committing crime for financial gain, murdering a witness) that could carry the death penalty, according to prosecutors. The witness Burke is alleged to have killed is Rivas Hernandez herself, who could have testified about the sex crime allegations, prosecutors said. Prosecutors haven't announced whether they will seek the death penalty.
We are deeply grateful to the Los Angeles Police Department and the District Attorney's Office for their diligent work in this case. We trust the legal process and ask for privacy as we continue to grieve the loss of our beloved Celeste.
A defense lawyer entered not guilty pleas to all counts on behalf of Burke, according to court records. Burke appeared in court behind glass in a custody area, dressed in black, and a judge ordered him held without bail, according to court observers. The girl's parents appeared at the hearing and did not speak to reporters. D4vd was transferred to LA County Men's Central Jail and separated from general population due to his high-profile status, according to TMZ.
His debut album 'Withered' was released two days after authorities said she was last known to be alive, according to music release records. Prosecutors haven't announced whether they will seek the death penalty. The exact date and location of Celeste's death remain unknown, as does the evidence linking D4vd to the murder besides the remains being found in his Tesla. The nature of the relationship between D4vd and Celeste is also unclear, and the reason for the delay in releasing the cause of death determination has not been fully explained.
Lead defense attorney Blair Berk said in a press conference: "We believe the actual evidence will show David Burke did not murder Celeste Rivas Hernandez." The family of Celeste Rivas Hernandez said in an official statement: "We are deeply grateful to the Los Angeles Police Department and the District Attorney's Office for their diligent work in this case. We trust the legal process and ask for privacy as we continue to grieve the loss of our beloved Celeste."