Singer D4vd Pleads Not Guilty to Murder of 14-Year-Old Girl

Emerging singer D4vd has pleaded not guilty to murder charges in the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose body was found dismembered in his Tesla vehicle in early April 2026. The plea was entered during an arraignment hearing in San Diego County Superior Court, where the judge denied bail citing the severity of the allegations and potential flight risk. The case has drawn widespread attention due to the intersection of a rising music career and a violent criminal accusation, prompting scrutiny from both entertainment industry observers and legal experts.

According to court documents reviewed by People.com and confirmed by the San Diego County District Attorney’s office, D4vd — whose legal name is David Burke — was arrested on April 8, 2026, following the discovery of Hernandez’s remains in the trunk of his Tesla Model Y. Forensic analysis indicated the girl had suffered blunt force trauma prior to dismemberment, and digital evidence placed the vehicle in multiple locations linked to the suspect in the days before her disappearance. Prosecutors allege the crime occurred over several hours on April 6, with the suspect allegedly luring the victim under false pretenses before attacking her in a secluded area.

The defense entered a not guilty plea on Burke’s behalf during the April 18 arraignment, with his attorney stating that the prosecution’s case relies on circumstantial evidence and that forensic timelines remain contested. “We believe the evidence will show that Mr. Burke did not commit this crime,” said lawyer Elena Ruiz during a brief statement outside the courthouse. “He is cooperating with authorities and maintains his innocence.” The judge, however, ruled that no bail would be set, referencing the gravity of the charges and concerns about public safety.

Prior to his arrest, D4vd had been gaining recognition in the alternative pop and emo-adjacent music scene, particularly after the viral success of his 2023 single “Romantic Homicide,” which charted on Billboard’s Alternative Airplay chart and gained traction on TikTok. His debut EP, “Petals to Thorns,” released in late 2023, received praise from outlets like Pitchfork and NME for its emotional lyricism and lo-fi aesthetic. As of early 2026, he had been preparing for a North American tour and had recently signed a publishing deal with an independent label based in Los Angeles.

Following the arrest, his music was removed from major streaming platforms’ editorial playlists, and his label issued a brief statement saying it was “closely monitoring the situation” and had paused all promotional activities. Industry analysts noted that while the artist had a growing fanbase, particularly among Gen Z listeners drawn to his introspective style, the allegations have prompted immediate distancing by collaborators and venues. No tour dates or festival appearances have been confirmed since the arrest, and his social media accounts remain inactive.

The victim, Celeste Rivas Hernandez, was a freshman at Lincoln High School in National City, California. Friends and teachers described her as quiet but kind, with a passion for art and animal welfare. A memorial fund has been established by her family to support youth mental health initiatives in her name. The case is expected to proceed to pretrial hearings in May, with prosecutors indicating they may seek life imprisonment without the possibility of parole if convicted.

Legal experts caution that while the case has attracted significant media attention due to the defendant’s public profile, the legal process must proceed based on evidence, not notoriety. “Celebrity status does not change the burden of proof,” said San Diego-based criminal defense attorney Marcus Liang, who is not involved in the case. “The prosecution must still prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, regardless of the defendant’s occupation or public image.” The outcome of the case could have lasting implications for how the entertainment industry responds to allegations of violent crime involving artists with growing profiles.