D4vd Charged with Murder in Death of 14-Year-Old Girl | VIDEO

*Today (04-20-26), the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office formally charged singer D4vd (real name David Anthony Burke, 21) with first-degree murder in the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The case has sent shockwaves through the music industry and true crime communities alike. Prosecutors allege that Burke killed the teenager in 2024, dismembered her […] The post D4vd Charged with Murder in Death of 14-Year-Old Girl | VIDEO appeared first on EURweb | Black News, Culture, Entertainment & More.

Apr 20, 2026 - 20:13

D4vd Charged with Murder in Death of 14-Year-Old Girl | VIDEO

*Today (04-20-26), the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office formally charged singer D4vd (real name David Anthony Burke, 21) with first-degree murder in the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The case has sent shockwaves through the music industry and true crime communities alike.

Prosecutors allege that Burke killed the teenager in 2024, dismembered her body, and stored her remains in the front trunk (“frunk”) of a Tesla registered to him. The vehicle was later abandoned and impounded at a Hollywood tow yard, where remains were discovered on September 8, 2025.

Special Circumstances Could Mean Death Penalty

District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced during a press conference that additional charges include special circumstances — lying in wait, murder for financial gain, and killing a witness. These enhancements make Burke eligible for the death penalty or life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.

“The charges also allege he mutilated human remains,” Hochman told reporters. “There is physical evidence, and there is forensic and digital evidence, that we intend to present in court.”

Prosecutors further charged Burke with continuous sexual acts and lewd or lascivious acts with a child under 14. According to LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell, investigators learned that Celeste “had been involved in a sexual relationship with Mr. Burke when she was a minor and he was an adult.”

Alleged Motive: Protecting a Music Career

Perhaps the most disturbing element of the case is the alleged motive. The DA’s office claims Burke killed Celeste “to maintain his very lucrative musical career” — a career prosecutors say the teenager was threatening on the night of her death.

Court documents suggest Celeste was considered a witness to an investigation into lewd acts Burke allegedly committed. By killing her, authorities argue, Burke intended to silence her permanently and protect his rising fame.

The singer, known for emotional tracks streamed hundreds of millions of times, was arrested on April 16, 2026, at a Hollywood Hills home near the tow yard. LAPD’s Robbery-Homicide Division took him into custody without bail.

Defense Fights Back

Burke’s legal team, including high-profile attorney Blair Berk, has strongly denied all allegations.

“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,” the defense stated. They noted that no indictment or complaint had been filed at the time of his arrest and promised to “vigorously defend” him.

The defense has not yet commented on the sexual assault charges or the condition of the remains.

A Family’s Long Wait for Justice

Celeste Rivas Hernandez went missing from the Lake Elsinore area in Southern California in mid-2024. Her family searched for over a year before her decomposed and dismembered remains were finally identified.

In a statement read by their attorney, Patrick Steinfeld, Celeste’s father, Jesus Rivas, reacted to the arrest by saying: “Thank God. Justice for Celeste.”

The family has since held memorials, describing Celeste as a “beloved daughter, sister, cousin, friend.” DA Hochman said after meeting with them that their “grief is incalculable.”

What Happens Next?

As of April 20, 2026, Burke remains in custody with no bail. The case is ongoing, with preliminary hearings expected in the coming weeks. Prosecutors have not yet announced whether they will formally seek the death penalty, though the special circumstances leave that option open.

LAPD officials had previously tried to correct media speculation, noting in November 2025 that the body was not frozen or decapitated as some outlets reported. However, the new charges confirm prosecutors believe mutilation occurred.

This is a developing story. Updates will follow as court proceedings unfold and more evidence enters the public record.