Full Breakdown
Singer D4vd Charged with Murder and Abuse in Death of Teen Celeste Rivas Hernandez
4/26/2026, 3:58:23 AM
Arrest and Formal Charges
Los Angeles police arrested David Anthony Burke, known as D4vd, on April 16, 2026. He is held without bail and was formally charged on April 20, 2026 with murder, sexual abuse of a minor, and unlawful body mutilation. District Attorney Nathan Hochman said the indictment alleges Burke killed 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernández to protect his lucrative music career.
Timeline of Key Events
- Sep 7, 2023 – Complaint alleges Burke began sexually abusing Rivas, then 13.
- Apr 5, 2024 – Rivas reported missing; police called her a runaway.
- Apr 23, 2025 – Prosecutors say Rivas was last seen after an invitation to Burke’s Hollywood Hills home.
- Sep 8, 2025 – Police find dismembered remains in Burke’s Tesla after a foul-odor report.
- Sep 17, 2025 – Medical examiner identifies the victim as Celeste Rivas Hernández.
- Apr 16-20, 2026 – Burke arrested and formally charged; pleads not guilty.
Background & Context
Burke gained fame on TikTok, amassing nearly 4 million followers and over 1.8 billion Spotify streams for “Romantic Homicide.” After his arrest, collaborators Kali Uchis, Holly Humberstone, and Laufey removed his songs from streaming services. Prosecutors allege the under-age relationship began on a Discord fan server and escalated to abuse.
Official Statements & Responses
District Attorney Hochman said the charges reflect premeditated murder for financial gain. Burke’s defense team says evidence will exonerate him. The Rivas family called Celeste “a beautiful, strong girl” and demanded justice.
Criticism & Opposition
Actress Cassidy Clarke, who appeared in the “Here With Me” video, disavowed any link to Burke, calling him a monster. His brother Caleb posted on Instagram, “All pedophiles and rapists should die.” Several collaborators removed his music from streaming platforms.
On-the-Ground Reports
Police responded to a foul odor at a Hollywood impound lot, entered the vehicle, and recovered the torso and head in one bag and the limbs in another, all in the Tesla’s front trunk.
Data & Statistics
- TikTok followers: ~4 million.
- Spotify streams for “Romantic Homicide”: 1.8 billion.
- Charges: murder, sexual abuse of a minor, unlawful body mutilation.
- Three investigative grand juries convened (Nov 2025, Dec 2025, Feb 2026).
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Prosecutors report Rivas’s last sighting as April 23, 2025, but other sources cite April 2024 when she was 13. The autopsy lists multiple penetrating injuries, while earlier reports mentioned sharp-force wounds without weapon detail.
What’s Next
The case proceeds to trial; prosecutors may seek the death penalty. Further grand-jury findings and potential testimony from Burke’s family are expected later in 2026.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I do not associate with D4vd by any means,” — Cassidy Clarke, Actress
- “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.” — Defense Attorney, D4vd’s legal team
- “ April 21, 2026 The family of Rivas Hernandez speaks out following the charges, saying in a statement released through their attorney, "Celeste was a beautiful, strong girl who loved to sing and dance.” — Rivas Family Statement
- “All pedophiles and rapists should die,” — Caleb Burke, Instagram post
- “maintain his very lucrative musical career.” — Nathan Hochman, Los Angeles County District Attorney
