Singer D4vd Pleads Not Guilty to Murder of Teen Girl Found in His Car
The singer D4vd, legally known as David Burke, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, a 14-year-old girl whose dismembered and decomposed body was discovered in his apparently abandoned Tesla in September. The 21-year-old musician was arraigned on Monday afternoon, shortly after the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office announced the charges against him.
Charges and Allegations in the Case
Burke faces first-degree murder with special circumstances, including allegations that he was lying in wait and killed the teen for financial gain to maintain his lucrative career. Additionally, he is charged with continuous lewd and lascivious sexual acts with an individual under 14 and mutilating human remains. Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman described the killing as a "brutal and horrific murder" during a press conference, revealing that Burke engaged in a sexual relationship with Celeste.
Authorities state that Celeste was reported missing by her family in 2024 when she was 13 and was 14 at the time of her death. Her remains were found inside a Tesla Model Y registered in Burke's name at a Texas address belonging to his family members. The vehicle had been towed from an upscale Hollywood Hills neighborhood on 8 September, a day after she would have turned 15.
Investigation and Discovery of the Body
Police investigators searching the Tesla in a tow yard discovered a cadaver bag covered with insects and emitting a strong odor of decay. Upon partially unzipping the bag, they found a head and torso. Further examination by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office revealed that the arms and legs had been severed from the body, with dismembered parts also found in a second black bag underneath.
The condition of the remains delayed the determination of the cause of death, as crucial evidence degraded or disappeared. However, the medical examiner has since determined the cause, and a court order blocking the release of autopsy details is set to be lifted soon to maintain investigation integrity.
Legal Defense and Public Reaction
Attorneys for Burke, who was arrested at a home in Hollywood last Thursday, asserted his innocence in a statement, claiming that evidence will show he did not murder Celeste or cause her death. This marks the first public comment from his legal team since the arrest, which came after months of investigation where Burke was a primary suspect.
The case has gripped Los Angeles for over half a year, with Celeste's family remaining private and not issuing public statements. A GoFundMe page described her as a "beloved daughter, sister, cousin, and friend," while a missing person poster noted she was last seen wearing Hello Kitty sandals. Community members remember her as quiet, sweet, studious, and deserving of justice.
Background on D4vd and Impact on Career
D4vd, pronounced "David," gained popularity among Gen Z for his blend of indie rock, R&B, and lo-fi pop. He went viral on TikTok in 2022 with the hit "Romantic Homicide" and later signed with Darkroom and Interscope Records, releasing EPs in 2023. After the body was discovered, he continued his North American tour but canceled final shows and a European tour when reports of his involvement spread widely.
The arrest and charges represent the most significant development in the case since Celeste's remains were found, with authorities not publicly naming Burke as a suspect until his arrest. The investigation involved a grand jury, with his family members subpoenaed to testify, highlighting the ongoing legal proceedings.
