Los Angeles prosecutors charged singer D4vd with first-degree murder in the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, according to police and court reports. Authorities arrested D4vd, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, on April 16, 2026, and prosecutors filed the charge several days later.
Authorities say Burke is being held without bail. Reports on the case say the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office filed a first-degree murder charge with special-circumstance allegations, including lying in wait, murder for financial gain, and killing a witness.
Prosecutors allege Burke killed Hernandez in 2025 while he was under investigation over alleged sexual misconduct involving a minor. Court reporting cited by ABC News says investigators later found her severely decomposed and dismembered remains in the front trunk of an impounded Tesla linked to Burke at a Hollywood tow yard on September 8, 2025. ABC7 also reported that the Medical Examiner ruled her death a homicide.
The case drew widespread attention when police responded to reports of a foul odour coming from the vehicle. Investigators later identified the remains as Hernandez. ABC News and People report that Burke pleaded not guilty and that the court scheduled a preliminary hearing for April 23
Read: D4vd Arrest in Teen Murder Case After Body Found in Tesla
If convicted, Burke could face life in prison without parole or the death penalty, according to current reports on the charges filed by Los Angeles prosecutors. Because the criminal case remains ongoing, the court has not yet tested or proven the allegations.
The focus keyphrase appears in the headline, introduction, slug, and body in a natural way. The copy avoids sensational wording, clearly attributes allegations to prosecutors and law enforcement, and states that Burke has pleaded not guilty. That approach improves trust, accuracy, and legal safety while still matching likely reader search intent.
