Los Angeles, CA - Singer David Anthony Burke, known professionally as D4vd, faces first-degree murder charges. This comes after the discovery of the remains of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, a 14-year-old girl, last September. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced the charges, which include special circumstances and mutilating a body.
==The district attorney's office stated that the murder charges carry a potential sentence of life without parole or the death penalty.==
D4vd was officially charged on Monday, April 20, 2026.== This follows his arrest on suspicion of murder last Thursday. The case was presented to the district attorney's office for filing consideration.
Authorities revealed that Hernandez's body was found in a Tesla registered to Burke. The girl had been reported missing from Lake Elsinore over a year prior to the discovery. Her remains were described as "not intact" in grand jury documents. Some reports suggest her body was decomposed, while one TMZ report indicated a medical examiner source claimed the body was partially frozen, a detail the LAPD reportedly contested.
The singer, who gained prominence for his music and connection to the gaming world, had his tour paused following his involvement in the case. His representatives had previously stated he was cooperating with authorities. Burke's defense attorneys have asserted his innocence.
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Celeste Rivas Hernandez was declared dead on September 8, 2025, a day after her 15th birthday. Her family had been aware of her connection to D4vd, with her brother stating she was on her way to see him the day she disappeared.
The investigation saw a grand jury hearing evidence starting in December. D4vd's arrest marks the first significant public development in months, after his name had been linked to the case. The 21-year-old artist's legal name is David Anthony Burke.
