Full Breakdown
Singer D4vd Charged with Murder of 14-Year-Old Celeste Rivas Hernandez
4/29/2026, 8:28:09 PM
Case Overview
David Anthony Burke, the 21-year-old singer-songwriter known as D4vd, has been charged in Los Angeles County with first-degree murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains for the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Burke pleaded not guilty, remains in custody without bail, and was denied a request to appear in civilian clothing, though a judge ordered a haircut before the May 1 preliminary hearing. Celeste, reported missing in April 2024, was found dismembered in the front trunk of Burke’s Tesla in September 2025.
Timeline & Key Data
- Apr 5 2024 – Celeste Rivas Hernandez reported missing.
- Apr 23 2025 – Last seen at Burke’s Hollywood Hills home.
- Sep 8 2025 – Remains discovered in the front trunk of Burke’s Tesla.
- Apr 16 2026 – Burke arrested.
- Apr 20 2026 – Charged with murder, sexual abuse, mutilation; special-circumstance allegations added (lying in wait, financial gain, witness murder, use of a sharp instrument).
- Apr 23 2026 – First court appearance; request for civilian attire denied.
- May 1 2026 – Preliminary hearing scheduled; judge ordered haircut.
Key data: 54 search warrants executed; three grand juries convened; devices contained a significant amount of child pornography; potential penalty life without parole or death.
Official Statements & Opposition
Deputy District Attorney Beth Silverman told the court the prosecution is eager to start the preliminary hearing and highlighted that Burke’s digital devices contain a significant amount of child pornography. District Attorney Nathan Hochman stressed the special-circumstance allegations, describing the alleged murder as financially motivated to protect Burke’s music career. LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell noted that the months-long gap between death and discovery degraded evidence. Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo approved a haircut but denied civilian attire. Defense attorney Blair Berk argued the evidence will prove Burke’s innocence and criticized the secrecy of the digital material.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Public filings do not clarify whether the child-pornography material includes images of Celeste, and law-enforcement’s suggestion of additional participants in the body’s disposal remains unverified. The weapon is described only as a “sharp instrument,” and most digital evidence stays sealed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We believe the actual evidence will show David Burke did not murder Celeste Rivas Hernandez,” — Blair Berk, Lead Defense Attorney
- “As the evidence will show, the financial gain was for Mr. Burke to maintain a lucrative musical career that Celeste was threatening that night,” — Nathan Hochman, Los Angeles County District Attorney
- “We would like to thank the Los Angeles Police Department and the District Attorney’s Office for their hard work,” — Jesus Rivas, Father of Celeste Rivas Hernandez
What’s Next
The May 1 preliminary hearing will allow Judge Olmedo to determine whether probable cause exists based on the sealed evidence. A finding of sufficient cause will move the case toward trial, where sentencing could include life without parole or the death penalty.
