Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman charged singer D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, with first-degree murder in the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Burke's attorneys entered a not guilty plea on his behalf during a Monday court appearance. The charges stem from the discovery of Hernandez's dismembered body in the trunk of Burke's Tesla last year.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced the charges against 21-year-old David Anthony Burke on Monday morning. Burke faces first-degree murder with special circumstances, lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14, and mutilating a body. Hochman described the allegations, stating that Burke engaged in repeated sexual acts with Hernandez starting around September 2023, when she turned 13, and later murdered her after she threatened to expose him, dismembering and storing her body in his Tesla for months until its discovery in September 2025 at a Hollywood tow yard. The special circumstances include lying in wait, financial gain, murdering a witness, and use of a sharp instrument in April 2025. A conviction could result in life without parole or the death penalty, with the latter decision pending, Hochman said. Burke was arrested last week following a grand jury investigation and remains in jail without bail. His attorneys argued during the hearing that evidence will show Burke did not cause Hernandez's death, requesting a preliminary hearing within 10 days. Burke's family expressed disappointment in the charges but full support for him. Hernandez was reported missing from Lake Elsinore on April 5, 2024, after leaving home. Prosecutors say she was at Burke's Hollywood Hills home on April 23, 2025. LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell noted the challenges posed by the decomposed remains, which delayed determining the cause of death, and emphasized delivering justice over speculation. The victim's family thanked the LAPD and DA's office, describing Celeste as a beautiful girl who loved singing and dancing. 'All we want is justice for Celeste,' their statement said. Burke canceled tour dates after Hernandez's identification during his 2025 world tour.
