DA: Singer ‘killed 14-year-old girl’ due to testify about his sexual abuse
The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekdayYour briefing on the latest headlines from across the USYour briefing on the latest headlines from across the US
Singer D4vd has been formally charged with the murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose dismembered remains were found in the trunk of the musician’s abandoned Tesla, prosecutors said Monday.
The 21-year-old singer, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, was arrested Thursday in the Hollywood Hills, seven months after the teen’s body was found.
District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced Monday that Burke is charged with first-degree murder, lewd and lascivious acts with an individual under 14, and mutilating a body in the killing of Rivas Hernandez. Hochman noted the murder charges included special circumstances — lying in wait, committing crime for financial gain and murdering the witness in an investigation — that could carry the death penalty.
”I am a parent of three children, and a parent’s nightmare is a situation where your daughter goes out one night and never comes back, as we will show in a court of law,” Hochman said Monday.
D4vd, pronounced “David,” gained popularity among Gen-Z fans for his blend of indie rock, R&B and lo-fi pop. He went viral on TikTok in 2022 with the hit “Romantic Homicide,” which peaked at No. 4 on Billboard’s Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart.
Prosecutors have not decided whether they could seek the death penalty in the case against D4vd.
His charges could include execution as a punishment, but the state hasn’t carried one out since 2006. Governor Gavin Newsom placed a moratorium on the death penalty in 2019.
The state can still pursue charges and if the moratorium is lifted, it could carry out an execution.
Alex Lang20 April 2026 21:32
In Pictures: Prosecutors announces charges against D4vd
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman speaks during a press conference about the arrest of musician David Anthony Burke, known professionally as d4vd, in Los Angeles, California, U.S., April 20, 2026. REUTERS/Daniel Cole (Reuters)
A picture of singer D4vd is seen during a press briefing on the case against him in Los Angeles on April 20, 2026. Rising star D4vd, whose real name is David Burke, was arrested in connection to the murder of a teenage girl whose dismembered body was found in the trunk of a car registered in the artist’s name, police said on April 16. (AFP/Getty)
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman (center) and LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell (center right) hold a press briefing on the case against singer D4vd in Los Angeles, on April 20, 2026. Rising star D4vd, whose real name is David Burke, was arrested in connection to the murder of a teenage girl whose dismembered body was found in the trunk of a car registered in the artist’s name, police said on April 16 (AFP/Getty)
Alex Lang20 April 2026 21:06
Possible bomb threat at courthouse
The Los Angeles courthouse set to hold D4vd’s arraignment faces a bomb threat, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Authorities are investigating the “possible bomb threat,” and the building has not been evacuated. It’s unclear if there is a connection between the possible threat and the arraignment.
Alex Lang20 April 2026 20:54
Defense attorneys say they are prepared to ‘vigorously defend David’s innocence’
D4vd’s attorneys, Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski and Regina Peter, shared a statement following his arrest last week saying that they are prepared to “vigorously defend David’s 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,” the statement said.
“There has been no indictment returned by any grand jury in this case and no criminal complaint filed. David has only been detained under suspicion. We will vigorously defend David’s innocence.”
Andrea Cavallier20 April 2026 19:30
Celeste Rivas Hernandez was in a sexual relationship with d4vd, police say
Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell said Monday that investigators learned Celeste Rivas Hernandez was involved in a sexual relationship with d4vd.
Rivas Hernandez was last known to be alive on April 23, 2025, when she arrived at d4vd’s Hollywood Hills home, the chief said. Her body wasn’t found until September.
Officials have said it appeared she had been dead for an extended period before she was found given the state of her remains.
“The substantial amount of time that passed between her death and the discovery meant that crucial evidence had degraded or disappeared, and as detectives worked to uncover the truth, they also had to sift through and debunk a great deal of false information circulating publicly,” McDonnell said.
Her cause of death was not made public.
Andrea Cavallier20 April 2026 19:03
The singer has been charged with first-degree murder; lewd and lascivious acts with an individual under 14; and mutilating a body in the killing of Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
The murder charges included special circumstances — lying in wait, committing crime for financial gain and murdering the witness in an investigation — that could carry the death penalty.
Andrea Cavallier20 April 2026 18:20
Hochman said d4vd murdered the 14-year-old to maintain his musical career and “that Celeste was threatening on that particular night.”
He explained the three sets of charges – one of which is murdering a witness to an investigation. Evidence to be shown in court shows Celeste was a witness into an investigation of sexual acts committed by d4vd.
Andrea Cavallier20 April 2026 18:18
Hochman described the crime as a “brutal and horrific murder.”
“A parent’s nightmare is a situation where your daughter goes out one night and never comes back,” he says.
Hochman said the DA’s office could eventually seek the death penalty in the case.
Andrea Cavallier20 April 2026 18:15
D4vd officially charged with murder of Celeste Rivas Hernandez
D4vd is officially charged with murder, sexually abusing a child and mutilating a body in the killing of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez
Andrea Cavallier20 April 2026 18:07
The mugshot of singer d4vd was revealed at the presser Monday
(Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office)
Andrea Cavallier20 April 2026 18:07