US musician D4vd has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, officials in Los Angeles have confirmed.
The artist, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, faces multiple charges, including murder with special circumstances, murder for financial gain, and the killing of a witness to an investigation.
According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, the teenager was last seen on April 23, 2025, when she visited Burke’s home in the Hollywood Hills.
“She was never heard from again,” District Attorney Nathan Hochman said during a press briefing.
Her decomposing remains were discovered on September 8, 2025, inside a Tesla registered to Burke, prompting a months-long investigation.
Serious allegations
Prosecutors allege that Burke killed the teenager in order to protect his music career, claiming she posed a threat on the night of her disappearance.
The charges include:
- First-degree murder with special circumstances of “lying in wait”
- Murder for financial gain
- Murder of a witness to an investigation
Authorities also allege the case involves sexual offences with a minor and the mutilation of a body.
The district attorney’s office has indicated that the death penalty could be considered.
Investigation challenges
Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell said the investigation was complicated by the condition of the remains.
“Given the substantial amount of time that passed… evidence had degraded or disappeared,” he said.
Officials defended the time taken to bring charges, citing the complexity of gathering evidence and interviewing multiple witnesses.
Defence response
Burke’s legal team has strongly denied the allegations.
“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,” his lawyers said in a statement.
The singer remains in custody without bail and is expected to appear in court for arraignment in downtown Los Angeles.
Rising star under scrutiny
The Houston-born artist rose to fame with viral hits such as Here With Me and Romantic Homicide, gaining millions of listeners and a strong social media following.
He released his debut album in April 2025 and had been on tour at the time the remains were discovered before cancelling performances.
The case has sent shockwaves through the music industry and among fans, as the young artist now faces one of the most serious criminal prosecutions in the United States.
