April 20, 2026<\/a> <\/p>\nBurke, 21, is expected to be arraigned Monday at 1:30 p.m. PST in Los Angeles County Superior Court.<\/p>\n
The charges include first-degree murder with special circumstances of lying in wait, murder for financial gain and killing a witness, along with additional counts of continuous sexual acts with a minor under 14, lewd and lascivious acts and mutilation of human remains. If convicted, Burke could face life without the possibility of parole or the death penalty.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese charges include the most serious charges that a DA\u2019s office can bring,\u201d Hochman said, adding that a decision on whether to seek the death penalty will be made at a later time. Hochman also made a point to add that the DA\u2019s office worked closely with the LAPD, shutting down rumors that there was a potential riff between the to agencies during the investigation.<\/p>\n
Prosecutors allege that on April 23, 2025, Rivas Hernandez went to Burke\u2019s home in the Hollywood Hills and was never seen again. Months later, on September 8, her dismembered and decomposed remains were discovered in bags inside the front trunk of a Tesla registered to Burke, according to the complaint.<\/p>\n
Hochman described the case as \u201ca parent\u2019s nightmare,\u201d saying, \u201ca situation where your daughter goes out one night and never comes back.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Celeste-Rivas-Hernandez-1-1200x675.jpg\")
Credit: Steinfield Law Firm<\/p>\n
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The Los Angeles District Attorney\u2019s Office allege Burke killed the teen to protect his \u201cvery lucrative musical career\u201d after she threatened to expose their relationship, and that the killing was tied to an underlying investigation into alleged sexual abuse involving the minor.<\/p>\n
The investigation, which spanned roughly seven months, was conducted jointly by the Los Angeles Police Department\u2019s Robbery-Homicide Division and the district attorney\u2019s office.<\/p>\n
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell said the case presented significant challenges, including the condition of the remains and the passage of time between the alleged killing and discovery.<\/p>\n
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Credit: Los Angeles Superior Court<\/p>\n
\u201cThe substantial amount of time that passed between her death and the discovery meant that crucial evidence had degraded or disappeared,\u201d McDonnell said.<\/p>\n
He also addressed criticism of the department\u2019s handling of the case, saying investigators intentionally limited public information to avoid compromising the investigation.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy duty is not to fuel speculation\u2026 it\u2019s to deliver justice,\u201d McDonnell said.<\/p>\n
Police said detectives ultimately relied on a combination of digital and forensic evidence to build the case, despite what authorities described as widespread misinformation circulating publicly during the investigation.<\/p>\n
Hochman said prosecutors will need to prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt using admissible evidence, including witness testimony and documents, if the case proceeds to trial.<\/p>\n
The family of Rivas Hernandez, whom Hochman said he met with prior to the announcement, is seeking accountability. The family, however, asks for privacy at this time, through their lawyer Patrick Steinfeld. \u201cThe family requests that the media respect their privacy during this difficult time. They expressed concern that some media outlets constantly call their home and knock on their door to get a statement. Please understand this family is still grieving the loss of their daughter. We will inform the media if they change their mind,\u201d Steinfeld said in a statement to Los Angeles.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat they have demanded \u2026 is proof beyond a reasonable doubt on who killed their daughter \u2026 and bring that killer to justice,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Additionally, officials evacuated the Los Angeles courthouse where D4vd is set to be arraigned Monday afternoon after a bomb threat was reported. Law enforcement sources said an anonymous caller contacted 911 just before 11 a.m. regarding the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center. TMZ reported their law enforcement source noted the threat \u201cdid not seem credible,\u201d however they treat all threats accordingly.<\/p>\n
Burke has not yet entered a plea.<\/p>\n