Alt-pop artist D4vd has been formally charged with first-degree murder in the death of a 14-year-old girl whose dismembered remains were discovered inside his impounded Tesla in Los Angeles, authorities announced on Monday.
The 21-year-old musician, whose legal name is David Burke, was arrested last week following a lengthy investigation into the death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez and is currently being held without bail. Prosecutors allege that Burke not only killed the teen but also engaged in unlawful sexual conduct with her when she was under 14, and later mutilated her body. The case had been under review by a grand jury, and authorities spent months gathering forensic and digital evidence before filing charges. Prosecutors have not yet decided whether they will seek the death penalty.
According to investigators, Rivas Hernandez — who had previously been reported missing after running away at 13 — was last seen alive on April 23, 2025, when she arrived at Burke’s Hollywood Hills residence. She was not heard from again. Months later, in September, police made a gruesome discovery at a Hollywood tow yard after being called to investigate a strong odor coming from a vehicle. Inside Burke’s abandoned Tesla, officers found her decomposed remains, which had been placed in separate bags.
Authorities believe she had been dead for weeks before the body was found, which occurred just one day after what would have been her 15th birthday. While the exact cause of death has not been publicly released, officials confirmed that the findings of the medical examiner remain sealed.
Prosecutors say the case includes several aggravating factors that could elevate the punishment to life without parole or even the death penalty. These include allegations that the killing was carried out for financial gain, involved lying in wait, and was intended to silence a witness — as the victim was allegedly connected to the sexual abuse charges. District Attorney Nathan Hochman said during a press briefing that “there is physical evidence and there is forensic and digital evidence that we intend to present in court to prove these charges beyond a reasonable doubt.”
Police also revealed that the investigation uncovered evidence suggesting Burke had been in a sexual relationship with the victim while she was a minor. Officials defended the pace and secrecy of the investigation, emphasizing the need for precision over speculation. LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said: “My duty is not to fuel speculation. It’s to deliver justice, and that requires patience and discipline on everybody’s part. This investigation was driven by a single purpose — to secure justice for Celeste Rivas and for those who loved her.”
Burke’s legal team has strongly denied the allegations. His attorneys said: “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. We will vigorously defend David’s innocence.”
Before his arrest, D4vd had continued touring despite early scrutiny but later canceled remaining performances as the investigation intensified. Known for his breakout success on TikTok and hits like “Romantic Homicide,” the singer had quickly risen in popularity before becoming the focus of this high-profile criminal case.
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