Story perspectives

D4vd Charged with Murder of 14-Year-Old; Death Penalty Possible

5/2/2026

Summary

Burke Murder Charge

Prosecutors charged David Anthony Burke (D4vd) with murder, abuse and mutilating remains for killing 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
He lured her to his home April 23, 2025, stabbed her, storing her body in bags found in his car trunk September 8, 2025.
He bought chainsaws and a pool, paying a student $1,000 for the remains.
A certificate lists her pregnancy status as “unknown,” while a May 26, 2026 hearing could result in a death-penalty conviction.

Summary

Burke DNA Confirmation

DNA samples from Burke’s garage matched Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s genetic profile, confirming the dismemberment occurred there.
Prosecutors say Burke used the alias “Victoria Mendez” to order a shovel, chainsaws, a blue inflatable pool, laundry bags, a body bag, and a “burn cage” purchased on July 7 from Amazon.
Defense attorneys Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski, and Regina Peter said Burke was not the cause of the girl’s death and would vigorously defend his innocence.

Summary

D4VD Interview

D4VD gave a radio interview the morning after Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s murder was reported.
The autopsy listed homicide by multiple penetrating injuries with unspecified objects.
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said department must not fuel suspicion amid criticism of the delayed arrest.
Celeste’s family said the arrest brings justice after nearly a year of waiting, though no trial date is set and D4VD’s TikTok music career stalled.

History

Historical Context

After the O.J. Simpson murder trial—an eight-month, nationally televised case that ended with a not-guilty verdict on October 3 1995 and was watched by roughly 100 million people—the LAPD faced intense scrutiny over DNA handling and racial bias. Prosecutors now rely on DNA recovered from David Anthony Burke’s garage, echoing the forensic spotlight that reshaped public and legal expectations.

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Burke Murder Charge

Prosecutors charged David Anthony Burke (D4vd) with murder, abuse and mutilating remains for killing 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
He lured her to his home April 23, 2025, stabbed her, storing her body in bags found in his car trunk September 8, 2025.
He bought chainsaws and a pool, paying a student $1,000 for the remains.
A certificate lists her pregnancy status as “unknown,” while a May 26, 2026 hearing could result in a death-penalty conviction.

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