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Singer D4vd faces first-degree murder charges and potential death penalty in connection with the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The Los Angeles District Attorney announced the charges earlier today in a stunning development. Burke’s lawyers maintain his innocence.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Charges: First-degree murder with special circumstances, lewd acts with minor under 14, mutilating human remains on April 20, 2026
- Defendant: David Anthony Burke, known as D4vd, age 21, arrested April 16, 2026
- Victim: Celeste Rivas Hernandez, 14, found deceased September 8, 2025 in vehicle trunk
- Death Penalty: DA says eligible for capital punishment, decision coming at later date
D4vd Charged in Brutal Death of Teen Girl
The 21-year-old singer David Anthony Burke, performing as D4vd, was formally charged this afternoon with first-degree murder with special circumstances in the death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced the charges at a Monday press conference. The special circumstances include lying in wait, financial gain, or witness murder.
Hochman emphasized the gravity of the case during his announcement. He stated he understood every parent’s nightmare when a child leaves home and never returns. The DA promised to prove Burke’s guilt beyond reasonable doubt in court.
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How Celeste’s Remains Were Discovered
Celeste Rivas Hernandez went missing in February 2024 at age 13 from Lake Elsinore, California. Her dismembered and decomposed remains were discovered September 8, 2025, in the trunk of a Tesla registered to Burke. Officers discovered her body after responding to reports of a foul odor at a Hollywood tow yard.
The Medical Examiner determined Celeste had been deceased for an extended period before discovery. She would have turned 15 on September 7, one day before her body was found. Investigators learned Celeste was last alive on April 23, 2025, when she arrived at Burke’s Hollywood Hills home.
Complete Charges and Sentencing Range
Burke faces three major counts that carry severe penalties. The first-degree murder charge with special circumstances carries life without parole or the death penalty. Additional charges include continuous lewd acts with an individual under 14 years old and mutilating human remains. Hochman indicated that whether prosecutors seek capital punishment will be decided later.
| Charge | Details |
| First-Degree Murder | Special circumstances: lying in wait; possible death penalty |
| Lewd Acts | Continuous sexual abuse of individual under 14 years old |
| Mutilation | Mutilating human remains of deceased victim |
| Custody Status | Jailed without bail as of April 20, 2026 |
“Their grief is incalculable, as to what happened to their daughter. What they have demanded, what we have assured them, that the district attorney’s office working with LAPD would give them is the proof beyond a reasonable doubt on who killed their daughter, on how their daughter was killed, and bring that killer to justice.”
— Nathan Hochman, Los Angeles County District Attorney
Burke’s Defense Team Claims Innocence
The singer’s attorneys immediately responded to charges with a statement of firm denial. Lawyers Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski, and Regina Peter asserted they will vigorously defend Burke. According to his legal team, the evidence will show Burke did not commit the crime.
The defense statement reads, “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.” The attorneys vow a vigorous defense. Meanwhile, Burke remains jailed without bail pending arraignment proceedings.
What’s Next? Death Penalty Decision and Trial Timeline
Hochman announced that prosecutors will make a separate determination later about seeking the death penalty. Burke’s case now moves to arraignment, where formal charges will be read and a plea entered. The trial could take months to prepare, given the complex forensic evidence involved.
The Rivas Hernandez family’s attorney, Patrick Steinfeld, stated the family is committed to ensuring Celeste’s voice is heard throughout the legal process. Celeste’s father Jesus Rivas expressed gratitude, saying “Thank God, justice for Celeste” following the charges announcement today.
