Photo Credit: CHRISTOPHER POLK/BILLBOARD
Singer D4vd (David Anthony Burke) has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. These charges were announced by Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman on Monday, just four days after the singer was arrested.
According to prosecutors, Rivas, a 14 year old at the time, was murdered on On April 23, 2025. Authorities allege she was attacked with a “sharp instrument,” and that her body was later dismembered and placed in bags in the front trunk of Burke’s car.
Prosecutors believe the motive was tied to Rivas allegedly threatening to reveal how D4vd, 20 years old at the time, illegally engaged in sexual acts with her as a minor.
Hochman said in a statement, “This horrific and gruesome murder committed by the charged sexual predator is shocking and appalling. To Celeste’s loved ones, we will get the justice you seek and deserve.”
In addition to first-degree murder, Burke faces charges of continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14 and mutilation of a body. The case includes a “special circumstances” enhancement, meaning he could face life in prison without parole or the death penalty, though prosecutors have not yet decided whether they will seek it.
Burke is currently being held without bail and pleaded not guilty at his arraignment on Monday, according to the Associated Press. His attorney, Blair Berk, said she believes the evidence will ultimately prove his innocence.
The alleged incident occurred just two days before the release of D4vd’s debut album, Withered, which debuted at No. 13 on the Billboard 200. He was also in the middle of a headlining tour at the time the body was discovered. The tour was cut short, a deluxe version of the album was shelved, and he has since been dropped by multiple music industry partners.
A follow-up hearing is scheduled for Thursday, April 23, according to NBC News.
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