Charges Filed After Extensive Investigation
David Burke, known professionally as D4vd, a 21-year-old musician, has been formally charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, who was 14 years old at the time of her death. Burke was arrested on April 16, 2026, following a monthslong investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department. He entered a plea of not guilty at his arraignment on Monday, April 20, 2026, and is currently being held without bail.
Prosecutors allege D4vd engaged in a sexual relationship with Rivas Hernandez when she was a minor and he was an adult. They further contend that he killed her to prevent her from exposing this relationship, which they believed could derail his music career. Special circumstances, including murder for financial gain and murder of a witness to an investigation, have been added to the charges.
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Family Expresses Pain, Demands Accountability
The family of Celeste Rivas Hernandez has broken their silence following the charges against D4vd, expressing "indescribable pain" and a singular focus on achieving justice for their daughter. Attorneys for the family stated, "All we want is justice for Celeste." They conveyed their profound love for her and shared that she always expressed her love for them in return. The family has also voiced gratitude towards the community and the investigators involved in the case.
"We love her very much and she always told us that she loved us." - Family Statement
Grisly Details Emerge in Prosecution's Case
Prosecutors have detailed a disturbing timeline and alleged methods used in Rivas Hernandez's death. According to court documents, D4vd is accused of fatally stabbing Rivas Hernandez after she threatened to expose their relationship. Investigators reportedly found evidence in D4vd's garage consistent with the dismemberment of Rivas's body, including blood samples matching her DNA.
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Prosecutors allege D4vd purchased chainsaws online, which he used to dismember Rivas's body in an inflatable pool. Online purchases also included a body bag and heavy-duty laundry bags, purportedly part of a scheme to conceal the crime. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has determined the cause of death, though specific details remain under seal.
LAPD Addresses Misinformation
The Los Angeles Police Department has refuted claims that Celeste Rivas Hernandez's body was "partially frozen" when discovered. While initial reports from some media outlets cited a medical examiner source suggesting this, the LAPD has challenged these assertions.
Background
Celeste Rivas Hernandez was reported missing on April 5, 2024. Her dismembered remains were discovered on September 8, 2025, inside the front trunk of an impounded Tesla registered to David Burke. The vehicle had been towed to a Hollywood tow yard after exceeding parking limits. Rivas Hernandez, originally from Lake Elsinore, California, was born on September 7, 2010, making her 14 years old at the time of her death. Her parents, Jesus Rivas and Mercedes Martinez, immigrated from El Salvador. Records indicate she had been reported missing three times in the year prior to her death and was last known to be alive on April 23, 2025, when she reportedly arrived at Burke's Hollywood Hills residence. The investigation also revealed that Burke had significant amounts of disturbing child sex abuse images on his iPhone. The DA's office will decide on the potential for the death penalty at a later date.
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