D4vd charged with murder of Celeste Rivas Hernandez

on April 20, 2026

Singer and songwriter d4vd has been charged in the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose dismembered body was found in a Tesla belonging to the musician last year.

David Anthony Burke, professionally known as d4vd, faces indictment for first-degree murder, lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14, and mutilation of a body in connection with the death of 14-year-old Hernandez. Burke was arrested on April 16, 2026, in the Hollywood Hills

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced the charges on Monday morning, saying, "These charges include the most serious charges that a DA's office can bring." 

Hernandez's remains were discovered on Sept. 8, 2025, after police responded to reports of a foul smell attracting flies at the Hollywood Tow yard. Her body was found "severely decomposed" and "dismembered" in the trunk of a Tesla registered to Burke's name, per court records. The body was there for 4 months prior to discovery.

"The condition of her remains delayed the medical examiner's ability to be able to determine her cause of death. The substantial amount of time that passed between her death and the discovery meant that crucial evidence had degraded or disappeared," LA Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell said.

The Riverside County Sheriff's Department said Hernandez was reported missing from Lake Elsinore over a year ago. A "Missing Person" flyer stated she had last been seen on April 5, 2024, after leaving her home at 9 p.m. that day. Hochman said Hernandez was at Burke's Hollywood Hills home on April 23, 2025, at "his invitation." McDonnell said that Hernandez was in a "sexual relationship" with Burke.

Charges and Allegations (April 2026)

First-Degree Murder

The Los Angeles District Attorney filed charges on April 20, 2026, following the discovery of the victim's remains in a Tesla registered to Burke in September 2025.

Special Circumstances 

Prosecutors have included special circumstances of "lying in wait," murder for financial gain, and murder of a witness.

Alleged Motive

Prosecutors allege Burke killed the teen to protect his music career, as she was reportedly involved in an investigation into alleged sexual acts he committed against her.

Additional Charges

Lewd and lascivious acts with a person under 14 and mutilation of a body.

Potential Penalty

If convicted as charged, Burke faces death or life in state prison without the possibility of parole. A decision on whether to seek the death penalty will be made at a later date.

Prosecutors

The case is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Beth Silverman of the Major Crimes Division and remains under investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department’s Robbery-Homicide Division.

Court CaseNo.:  26CJCF02399 

Defense Stance 

Attorneys for Burke have declared his innocence, stating that "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"

Effect of special circumstances on sentencing

"Special circumstances" in California enhance first-degree murder sentences from 25-years-to-life to mandatory life without the possibility of parole (LWOP) or the death penalty. Pursuant to Penal Code 190.2, these allegations cover aggravated factors, such as murder for financial gain, drive-by shootings, or murder during the commission of felonies like kidnapping, rape, or arson. If a special circumstance is found true, judges cannot strike it, and the mandatory punishment is LWOP or death.

Cases of Note

Scott Peterson (2005/2020): Convicted of murdering his wife and unborn child; the special circumstance was multiple murders. His death sentence was reduced to LWOP.

The Menendez Brothers (1996): Initially sentenced to LWOP for the murder of their parents, but their case became a landmark for re-sentencing and potential parole eligibility.

Stanley "Tookie" Williams (2005): A founder of the Crips gang sentenced to death for four counts of murder committed during robberies.

Clarence Ray Allen (2005): At age 74, he was sentenced to death for orchestrating murders from prison, with special circumstances of multiple murders and witness retaliation.

Dorothea Puente (1993): Known as the "Death House Landlady," she was sentenced to life without parole for three murders, though linked to many more.

Sara Kruzan (1995): Originally sentenced to LWOP for killing her abuser; her conviction was later reduced after highlighting "lying in wait" and "robbery" special circumstances in domestic cases.