Singer D4vd Charged with First-Degree Murder in Death of 14-Year-Old Girl

David Burke, known professionally as D4vd, has been charged with first-degree murder, lewd acts with a minor, and mutilation of human remains in connection with the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office announced the charges on Monday.

Rivas Hernandez was last seen entering Burke's Hollywood Hills residence on April 23, 2025. Her dismembered and decomposed body was discovered in September 2025 inside a Tesla registered to Burke, which had been abandoned and later impounded.

Prosecutors allege that Burke began sexually abusing Rivas Hernandez in September 2023, when she was 13 years old. They claim he killed her to prevent her from exposing their relationship, which could have harmed his music career.

The charges include special circumstances such as murder for financial gain and killing a witness to a crime, making Burke eligible for life imprisonment without parole or the death penalty. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman stated that a decision on seeking the death penalty will be made at a later date.

Burke pleaded not guilty to all charges during his arraignment on Monday. His attorneys assert that he did not murder Rivas Hernandez and was not the cause of her death.

The case has drawn significant public attention, with some questioning the length of the investigation. Legal analysts suggest that factors such as the decomposition of the body, sensitive charges involving a minor, and uncooperative witnesses may have contributed to the delay.

Burke, 21, gained popularity in 2022 with his viral hit "Romantic Homicide" and has since released multiple EPs and a debut studio album. Following the discovery of Rivas Hernandez's body, he canceled his tour and was dropped by his record label.