Singer D4vd Charged in 2025 Murder of 14-Year-Old Girl Found Dismembered in His Tesla

Singer D4vd was charged Monday with first-degree murder in the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose dismembered remains were found in the trunk of his Tesla in September 2025.

Los Angeles prosecutors announced the charge during a press conference, stating that the 21-year-old artist, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, has pleaded not guilty to the allegations. The case stems from the discovery of Hernandez’s body more than a year after she was reported missing.

I am a parent of three children, and a parent’s nightmare is a situation where your daughter goes out one night and never comes back.

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman

Prosecutors filed additional charges of continuous sexual abuse and mutilation of human remains, citing a criminal complaint that alleges the abuse occurred between September 7, 2023, and September 7, 2024, while Burke resided with and had recurring access to the victim. Celeste would have turned 13 on September 7, 2023.

The special circumstances mean Burke may face life in prison up to a potential death penalty.

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman

Hochman noted that prosecutors are seeking three enhancements to the murder charge: lying in wait, financial gain, and murdering a witness to an investigation. The district attorney alleged that Burke killed Celeste to maintain his music career and that she was a witness to lewd and lascivious sexual acts allegedly committed by the singer.

Burke appeared behind glass in court during his arraignment on April 20, 2026, where Judge Theresa R McGonigle presided over the proceedings. He has remained in custody without bail since his arrest last week by the Los Angeles Police Department.

Let us be clear — 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.

Statement from D4vd’s attorneys

The singer’s legal team has maintained his innocence, asserting that no grand jury indictment has been returned and no criminal complaint has been filed, despite his detention under suspicion. They pledged to vigorously defend his innocence as the case moves forward.

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s findings in the D4vd case are sealed, though ABC News has learned through sources connected to the investigation that the medical examiner determined the teen’s death to have been a homicide.

ABC News report

Information on the cause of death has not been released.

ABC News report

The LAPD said the case will be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office on Monday for filing consideration.

ABC News report

The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed that Hernandez’s decomposing, dismembered body was discovered on September 8, 2025, in the trunk of Burke’s towed Tesla. Officials stated the arrest was based on evidence and probable cause developed during the investigation.

The singer was arrested at 5 p.m. Local time Thursday and booked later that night at the LAPD’s 77th Street Station in south Los Angeles.

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s online booking records

Sources told ABC News the arrest is based on evidence and probable cause that was developed. It was not an indictment.

ABC News report

We will vigorously defend David’s innocence.

Statement from D4vd’s attorneys

The singer D4vd has been arrested in connection with the death of a teenage girl whose decomposing, dismembered body was discovered last year in the trunk of his towed Tesla.

ABC News report

Officials said D4vd, whose legal name is David Burke and is a 21-year-old resident of Los Angeles, is being held in connection with the alleged murder of Celeste Rivas Hernandez without bail.

ABC News report