Full Breakdown
D4vd Charged with Murder of Celeste Rivas Hernandez
4/21/2026, 5:58:34 AM
Overview of the Case
David Anthony Burke, a 21-year-old musician known as D4vd, has been charged with the first-degree murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Her dismembered and decomposed body was discovered in the trunk of his Tesla on September 8, 2025, after being reported missing for over a year. The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office has outlined several charges against Burke, including murder with special circumstances, continuous sexual abuse of a minor, and mutilation of human remains. If convicted, he faces life without parole or the death penalty.
Timeline of Events
- April 2024: Celeste Rivas Hernandez, then 13, is reported missing by her family.
- April 23, 2025: Celeste is last seen at Burke's Hollywood Hills home.
- September 8, 2025: Her dismembered body is found in Burke's Tesla, which had been towed to an impound lot due to a foul odor.
- April 16, 2026: Burke is arrested at his Hollywood residence.
- April 20, 2026: Burke pleads not guilty to all charges during his arraignment.
Charges and Allegations
Burke has been charged with first-degree murder, which includes special circumstances such as lying in wait, committing a crime for financial gain, and murdering a witness to an investigation. Prosecutors allege that Burke killed Rivas Hernandez to prevent her from exposing their sexual relationship, which began when she was a minor. The charges also include continuous sexual abuse of a minor under 14 years old and mutilation of her body.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman described the case as "a parent's nightmare," emphasizing the brutality of the crime. He stated that Burke allegedly used a sharp instrument to kill Rivas Hernandez and then dismembered her body, which was found in two bags within the trunk of his vehicle.
Defense and Legal Proceedings
Burke's legal team, led by attorney Blair Berk, has asserted his innocence, claiming that the evidence will demonstrate he did not murder Rivas Hernandez. They have requested a preliminary hearing to expedite the examination of evidence. The defense argues that the timeline of events and the nature of the evidence will support Burke's claims of innocence.
Criticism and Opposition
Critics of the investigation have raised concerns about the time taken to charge Burke after the discovery of Rivas Hernandez's body. LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell acknowledged the challenges faced by investigators, including the degradation of evidence due to the time elapsed between the murder and the discovery of the remains. The case has drawn significant media attention, with many questioning how a rising star could be implicated in such a horrific crime.
Impact and Public Reaction
The case has resonated deeply within the community and among fans of D4vd, who gained fame through viral hits like "Romantic Homicide." Following the allegations, Burke canceled his tour and has faced public scrutiny. The Rivas Hernandez family has remained largely private but expressed their commitment to ensuring that Celeste's memory is honored throughout the legal process.
What's Next
Burke is currently being held without bail, and a preliminary hearing is expected to take place soon, where evidence will be presented to determine if the case will proceed to trial. The District Attorney's Office has not yet announced whether they will seek the death penalty, leaving the outcome of the case uncertain as it unfolds in the coming months.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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,” — Blair Berk, Defense Attorney
- “A parent's nightmare is a situation where your daughter goes out one night and never comes back,” — Nathan Hochman, Los Angeles County District Attorney
This case continues to develop, and further details will emerge as the legal proceedings progress.
