Charges Detail Gruesome Acts
Singer David Anthony Burke, known by his stage name D4vd, faces murder charges stemming from the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office announced the charges on Monday, April 20th, 2026. Authorities allege Burke "lay in wait" for Rivas Hernandez before killing her and engaging in sexual acts with her. He is also charged with lewd and lascivious sexual acts with an individual under 14 and mutilating human remains.
"The evidence includes witness testimony and documents," stated Nathan Hochman, the LA District Attorney, who also noted that the office has not yet decided whether to pursue the death penalty.
Burke, 21, was arrested on Thursday, April 16th, 2026, near the Los Angeles tow yard where Rivas Hernandez's remains were discovered. Her decomposed and dismembered body was found in the trunk of Burke's abandoned Tesla on September 8th, 2025, a day after what would have been her 15th birthday.
The singer's real name is David Anthony Burke. Evidence against Burke includes witness testimony and documents. He is scheduled for arraignment on the charges Monday afternoon.
Read More: NSW Investigations Director Targets Sydney Organized Crime
Timeline of Events and Investigation
The discovery of Rivas Hernandez's remains in September 2025 initiated a months-long investigation. Burke's vehicle, a Tesla registered to him, had been found abandoned on a street not far from where he lived in the Hollywood Hills.
Rivas Hernandez was last seen alive around March 19th, 2025, and reported missing multiple times. Following the discovery of her body, Burke canceled his "Withered World Tour" dates and went silent amidst growing online speculation. Photos of the two together had surfaced prior to her disappearance.
Law enforcement sources confirmed to NBC4 Investigates that Burke was arrested on a probable cause warrant.
The case was presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office on Monday, April 20th, 2026, for filing consideration. Authorities had not publicly named Burke as a suspect until his arrest. The family of Rivas Hernandez has reportedly remained private and has not issued public statements regarding her death or the ongoing case.
Read More: Chris Paul Mocks Clippers Play-In Loss With Meme
The Los Angeles County medical examiner reported that Rivas Hernandez was wearing black leggings, a tube top, a yellow metal chain bracelet, and stud earrings when she was found. Her cause of death has not been publicly disclosed, as police requested her autopsy findings be sealed during the investigation.
Burke is being held without bail.
The charges announced by the District Attorney's office are expected to come three days after Burke's arrest. The connection between the singer and the missing girl was known to Rivas Hernandez's family. A neighbor who created a memorial for the teen confirmed this to NBCLA last year.
