Rising Star D4vd Pleads Not Guilty to First-Degree Murder Charges in Teen Girl's Death
Indie-pop artist D4vd appeared in a Los Angeles courtroom Monday, pleading not guilty to murdering 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose remains were found in his Tesla.
D4vd Enters Not Guilty Plea in Murder Case Involving Missing Teenage Girl
Rising indie-pop artist D4vd, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, appeared before a Los Angeles court on Monday and entered a not guilty plea to first-degree murder charges connected to the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The 21-year-old musician did not speak during the proceedings — his defense attorneys entered the plea on his behalf.
Prosecutors have warned that Burke could face life in prison, or potentially the death penalty, depending on how the case develops.
What Prosecutors Allege Happened
According to Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman, Rivas Hernandez visited Burke's Hollywood Hills home on April 23, 2025. She was never seen or heard from again.
Her dismembered and decomposed remains were discovered on September 8, 2025 — inside the front trunk of a Tesla vehicle registered to Burke's Texas address. Court documents revealed that authorities found severed arms and legs inside a bag when they opened the trunk at a Hollywood tow yard.
"A parent's nightmare is a situation where your daughter goes out one night and never comes back," Hochman said during a press conference Monday.
Three Sets of Charges Filed
The district attorney outlined three separate charges against the singer:
- First-degree murder with special circumstances of "lying in wait" — alleging the killing was deliberate and premeditated.
- Murder for financial gain — prosecutors allege Burke killed the teenager to protect his lucrative music career, which Rivas Hernandez was allegedly threatening on the night of her death.
- Murder of a witness to an investigation — authorities claim evidence shows the teen was a witness in an investigation into sexual acts allegedly committed by Burke.
The charges also include multiple counts of sexual acts with a minor and mutilation of a body. The DA's office has not ruled out seeking the death penalty.
Defense Team Vows to Fight for Burke's Innocence
Burke's legal team — attorneys Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski, and Regina Peter — pushed back firmly against the allegations. In a statement issued to the BBC, they said they believe the evidence will ultimately show their client had no involvement in the teenager's death.
"We will vigorously defend David's innocence," the attorneys stated.
The defense also requested an open hearing, following months of grand jury proceedings conducted behind closed doors. The court subsequently ordered the coroner's office to release the autopsy report, which had been withheld from the public in an unusual move by authorities.
Family of Celeste Rivas Hernandez Speaks Out
The courtroom fell silent when the parents of Celeste Rivas Hernandez entered ahead of the hearing, with many in attendance visibly moved by their presence.
In a statement shared through CBS News, the Rivas Hernandez family expressed their commitment to the legal process. "We are committed to ensuring that Celeste's voice is heard and her memory is honored throughout this process," the family said.
LAPD Defends Lengthy Investigation Timeline
Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell addressed growing public criticism over the seven-month gap between the discovery of the remains and Burke's arrest.
"My duty is not to fuel speculation. It's to deliver justice, and that requires patience and discipline on everybody's part," McDonnell said.
He explained that the condition of the teen's remains significantly complicated the investigation, as evidence had deteriorated or vanished due to the extended time between her death and the discovery of her body. DA Hochman added that investigators had to interview numerous individuals — some cooperative, some not — and carefully review all available evidence before making an arrest.
"It's the type of case where you want maximum information," Hochman said, urging anyone with relevant details to come forward.
Burke remains in custody without bail following his arrest last Thursday.
Who Is D4vd?
Burke, originally from Houston, Texas, first gained public attention as a teenager by posting videos of himself playing the popular video game Fortnite. He later taught himself music production and broke into the industry with his debut EP, Petals To Thorns, released in 2023.
The young artist quickly rose through the ranks of the music world, earning a spot on Variety's Young Hollywood list and serving as an opening act for Grammy-winning artist SZA on her highly successful SOS Tour. He is widely recognized for his moody, genre-blending hits including Here With Me and Romantic Homicide.
His next court date is expected to be set in the coming weeks as the case moves forward.
