Singer D4vd Charged with Murder of 14-Year-Old Celeste Rivas Hernandez
Singer D4vd, legal name David Burke, has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose dismembered body was found in his Tesla.
An autopsy report released Wednesday confirmed that 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez died from penetrating wounds to her upper body, officially ruling her death a homicide. Her dismembered and decomposed body was discovered in September inside a Tesla registered to singer D4vd, whose legal name is David Burke. The report had been sealed for months until prosecutors recently allowed its release.
The examination revealed two penetrating wounds of the torso with smooth edges that may represent sharp force injuries. One wound on the upper abdomen penetrated the liver, while another on the left chest damaged her ribs. A tube top she was wearing appeared to be cut in three places.
Burke, 21, was charged Monday with first-degree murder, lewd and lascivious acts with a person under 14, and mutilating a dead body. He pleaded not guilty to all charges. His attorneys stated, "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."
Prosecutors allege Burke killed Rivas Hernandez because she threatened to report their sexual relationship, which began when she was 13, fearing it would ruin his rising career. A criminal complaint alleges he killed her with a sharp object and dismembered the body about two weeks later.
The girl's parents, Jesus Rivas and Mercedes Martinez, expressed their grief and desire for justice, saying, "Celeste was a beautiful, strong girl who loved to sing and dance. Every Friday night was movie night and we spent wonderful times together. We love her very much and she always told us that she loved us. We miss her deeply. All we want is justice for Celeste."
Los Angeles County's Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Odey C. Ukpo emphasized the importance of transparency, stating, "After several months, I am grateful this information can now be released, not only to the public, but also to the grieving family enduring loss. It is unfathomable they have had to wait this long to learn what happened to their daughter."
D4vd gained popularity among young fans for his blend of indie rock, R&B, and lo-fi pop. He went viral on TikTok in 2022 with the hit "Romantic Homicide," which peaked at No. 4 on Billboard's Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart. He released his debut EP "Petals to Thorns" and a follow-up, "The Lost Petals," in 2023. His debut full-length album, "Withered," was released one year ago, two days after the date prosecutors estimate that Rivas Hernandez was killed.