Show summary Hide summary
Singer D4vd made his shock arraignment today on capital murder charges in connection with the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The 21-year-old musician, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, pleaded not guilty as Judge Theresa McGonigle denied him bail at the Foltz Criminal Justice Center in Los Angeles on April 20, 2026.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Arraignment Date: Today, April 20, 2026, at the Foltz Criminal Justice Center
- Charges: One count of murder, continuous sexual abuse, unlawful mutilation of human remains with special circumstances
- Victim: Celeste Rivas Hernandez, 14, found dismembered in his impounded Tesla in September 2025
- Plea: Not guilty on all counts; bail denied; preliminary hearing scheduled April 23
Inside the Arraignment: D4vd Denies All Wrongdoing
The rising singer-songwriter sat in Department 30 as his legal team, led by Blair Berk, made an immediate statement denying culpability. “Let us be clear,” his attorneys declared, “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.” Despite the strong defense position, Judge McGonigle ruled that no bail would be set pending further proceedings. A preliminary hearing on bail is now scheduled for April 23, 2026.
Prosecutors alleged Burke repeatedly engaged in sexual abuse when Celeste was under 14, then murdered her to hide his criminal conduct and protect his “very lucrative musical career.” The charge includes allegations of lying in wait, murder for financial gain, and murder of a witness to an active investigation. If convicted, Burke faces life in prison without parole or death.
Ross Mathews hosts 90 Day: The Single Life Tell All, airs May 18
Qudos Bank Arena hosts K-pop group i-dle May 30 in Sydney with massive world tour
The Discovery: Dismembered Remains Found Months After Death
The victim’s body was decomposed and severely dismembered when discovered on September 8, 2025, in the front trunk of Burke’s impounded Tesla at a tow yard in Hollywood. According to prosecutors, Celeste R. arrived at Burke’s Hollywood Hills home on April 23, 2025, and was never seen again. Her dismembered remains sat concealed for over four months, causing critical evidence to degrade. The teen was separated into two bags with her head and torso detached from her arms and legs. Prosecutors allege Burke “personally used a sharp instrument” to commit the crime.
Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell stated that “the substantial amount of time that passed between her death and the discovery meant that crucial evidence had degraded or disappeared.” Celeste’s father, Jesus Rivas, released a statement saying, “Thank God,” expressing gratitude that authorities were pursuing justice.
Career Timeline: From Fortnite Videos to Major Label Deal
| Career Milestone | Details |
| Career Launch | Started with Fortnite game montage videos on YouTube in 2021 |
| First Music | “Run Away” and “You and I” released end of 2021 under D4vd moniker |
| Major Collaborations | Worked with Kali Uchis and 21 Savage; music featured in Fortnite game |
| Recent Project | Debut album “Withered” with national tour just begun in April 2026 |
David Anthony Burke, known as D4vd, was born March 28, 2005, and rose to prominence by creating Fortnite montage content as a way to avoid copyright strikes in his early music. His catchy, melodic songs quickly gained traction on streaming platforms, and he signed with Darkroom Records. His music has featured in Fortnite’s official game soundtrack, boosting his profile among young listeners. The 21-year-old singer was on the cusp of major success when his tour was abruptly canceled following investigation into his alleged connection to Celeste’s death.
“Celeste was just a child, under 14 years old, when David Burke allegedly engaged in repeated lewy and lascivious sexual relations with her. But Burke’s actions did not allegedly stop there. When she threatened to expose his criminal conduct and devastate his musical career, Burke allegedly murdered her, cut up her body and stuffed her body in two bags.”
— District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman, Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office
Investigation: 7-Month Timeline From Discovery to Charges
The case remained under investigation for seven months after Celeste’s remains were discovered in September 2025. Los Angeles County prosecutors convened a secret grand jury to gather evidence, ultimately building a compelling case. Burke was arrested on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at a residence in the Hollywood Hills after heavily armed LAPD officers executed the warrant. He surrendered without incident, according to police reports. The investigation involved LAPD’s Robbery-Homicide Division and is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Beth Silverman of the Major Crimes Division.
The victim’s cause of death has not been made public, as authorities sealed her autopsy findings during the active investigation. Riverside County officials note that Celeste had been reported missing three separate times in the final year of her life before her tragic death.
What Happens Next in the Case Against the Rising Pop Star?
With bail denied and no death penalty decision yet announced, Burke will remain in custody pending his April 23 preliminary hearing on bail reconsideration. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office indicated a decision on whether to seek capital punishment will be made at a later date. Defense attorneys have signaled they intend to vigorously contest the murder allegations, and the case is expected to undergo extensive pretrial proceedings. The victim’s family continues mourning Celeste’s loss while supporters of the accused singer await further developments in this shocking case that has shaken the entertainment world.
Sources
- People.com – Coverage of D4vd’s arraignment, bail denial, and legal proceedings
- Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office – Official charges, allegations, and prosecution details
- NBC News – D4vd’s arrest, victim identification, and investigation timeline
