Full Breakdown
D4vd Charged with First-Degree Murder, Collaborations Removed from Streaming Services
4/24/2026, 2:03:29 AM
Overview of the Core Event
D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, has been charged with the first-degree murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Her body was discovered in a severely decomposed state in the front trunk of a Tesla registered to Burke last September. Following the news of his arrest on April 21, 2023, multiple collaborations featuring Burke have been removed from streaming platforms.
Details of the Charges
Burke faces several serious charges, including murder for financial gain and the murder of a witness to an investigation. According to Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman, Burke allegedly murdered Hernandez to prevent her from exposing his criminal conduct, which he feared would damage his music career. Hochman described the crime as "horrific and gruesome," detailing that Burke reportedly dismembered Hernandez's body and concealed it in bags within his vehicle. If convicted, Burke could face the death penalty or life imprisonment without parole. He has pleaded not guilty, with his legal team asserting they will "vigorously defend David’s innocence."
Impact on Music Collaborations
In the wake of Burke's arrest, several artists have taken steps to distance themselves from him. Collaborations with Kali Uchis, Laufey, and Holly Humberstone have been removed from music platforms. Notably, Damiano David has replaced Burke's feature on the song "Tangerine" with a solo version. Uchis had previously expressed her intention to remove their collaboration upon learning about the discovery of Hernandez's remains in Burke's vehicle.
Official Statements & Responses
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman emphasized the severity of the charges, stating, “This horrific and gruesome murder committed by the charged sexual predator is shocking and appalling. To Celeste’s loved ones, we will get the justice you seek and deserve.” Meanwhile, Burke's legal representatives maintain his innocence and are preparing a defense against the charges.
Criticism & Opposition
The swift removal of Burke's collaborations from streaming services has sparked discussions about the accountability of artists in light of serious allegations. Critics argue that the music industry must take a firm stance against individuals accused of violent crimes, while others caution against prematurely judging an individual before a legal verdict is reached.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the details surrounding the charges against Burke are clear, there is limited information regarding the timeline of when specific collaborations were removed from streaming services. Additionally, the exact circumstances leading to the discovery of Hernandez's body remain under investigation, with no further details released by law enforcement.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This horrific and gruesome murder committed by the charged sexual predator is shocking and appalling.” — Nathan Hochman, Los Angeles County District Attorney
- “This horrific and gruesome murder committed by the charged sexual predator is shocking and appalling. To Celeste’s loved ones, we will get the justice you seek and deserve.” — Nathan Hochman, Los Angeles County District Attorney
The situation surrounding D4vd continues to evolve as legal proceedings unfold and the music industry reacts to the serious allegations against him.
