Singer D4vd was formally charged with murder and other serious crimes in connection with the death of a 14-year-old girl whose remains were found in Los Angeles.
The 21-year-old D4vd – whose legal name is David Anthony Burke – was charged with first-degree murder with special circumstances, which could make him eligible for the death penalty, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced at a press conference Monday, April 20.
Burke is also charged with lewd and lascivious acts involving a child under 14 and mutilation of human remains.
The victim, Celeste Rivas Hernandez, was last seen in 2025 at Burke’s home before she disappeared, according to Hochman. Her remains were later discovered in Los Angeles in September, more than a year after she was reported missing from Lake Elsinore in 2024.
Prosecutors allege Burke was “lying in wait” at the time of the killing and that the case involves additional special circumstances, including an alleged motive tied to financial gain, Hochman said. Investigators believe the victim may have been a witness to conduct that could have harmed Burke’s career, Hochman said.
Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell said digital and forensic evidence connects Burke to the case.
Hernandez’ cause of death has not been publicly released. The medical examiner previously withheld details due to a security hold requested by investigators.
Investigators said the condition of the remains suggested the victim had been dead for an extended period before being found.
Burke was arrested last week in Los Angeles. He had been on tour at the time the remains were discovered and canceled upcoming performances after the case became public.
Defense attorneys Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski, and Regina Peter said Burke maintains his innocence.
“Let us be clear — 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,” his attorneys said in a statement.
D4vd rose to prominence in the early 2020s with a string of viral hits that gained traction on streaming platforms and social media. His breakout single “Romantic Homicide” charted on the Billboard Hot 100 and helped establish him as a rising voice in alternative R&B and indie pop.
He followed that success with songs like “Here With Me,” building a young, dedicated fanbase and earning industry attention for his minimalist production style and emotionally driven lyrics.
