21-year-old musician, D4vd, has pleaded not guilty to multiple felony charges in connection with the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose remains were discovered in Los Angeles County in September 2025.
The case is being prosecuted by the office of Nathan Hochman. Authorities allege that Burke engaged in an unlawful sexual relationship with the teenager over several months and later killed her when she threatened to reveal the relationship.
On Monday, April 20, 2026, Burke appeared in a Los Angeles court, where his attorneys entered a not-guilty plea on his behalf. He is charged with:
- First-degree murder with special circumstances
- Continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14
- Lewd and lascivious acts with a minor
- Mutilation of human remains
Prosecutors attached special circumstances to the murder charge, including lying in wait, financial gain, and killing a witness to a crime. These allegations make the case eligible for life imprisonment without parole or the death penalty, though prosecutors have not yet decided whether to seek capital punishment.
According to District Attorney Nathan Hochman, Burke is accused of maintaining a sexual relationship with Celeste from September 2023 to September 2024. Investigators allege that the girl visited his home in the Hollywood Hills on April 23, 2025, and was never seen again.
Hochman said Burke killed her “when she threatened to expose his criminal conduct and devastate his musical career.” He further stated that the killing involved “a deadly and dangerous weapon,” described in court filings as a sharp instrument.
Prosecutors allege that after the killing, Burke dismembered the body and placed the remains in bags inside the front trunk of his Tesla vehicle.
Celeste’s remains were discovered in September 2025 after the vehicle, which had been left parked in a Los Angeles neighborhood, was towed to an impound facility. Workers reported a strong odor, prompting police to inspect the car.
At the time of the discovery, Burke was on tour outside California.
Police said the length of time between the girl’s death and the recovery of her remains complicated the investigation. Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell stated that evidence had degraded, and investigators also had to address inaccurate information circulating publicly.
Court records indicate that a grand jury investigation was underway by February 2026, before Burke’s arrest on April 16, 2026.
Authorities have pointed to several elements connecting Burke to the victim:
- A January 2024 livestream in which both appeared together
- Photographs from early 2024, placing Burke near the victim’s neighborhood
- Images from June 2024 showing her backstage at one of his concerts
- Additional images reportedly place them together in late 2024 and early 2025
- The vehicle registered to Burke, in which her remains were found
Prosecutors also state that Celeste had been reported missing multiple times by her family in early 2024.
Burke is represented by attorney Blair Berk, who rejected the allegations. In a statement, she said:
“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 defense has requested a preliminary hearing at the earliest possible date and stated that it has received limited evidence from prosecutors so far.
Members of Celeste’s family attended the court hearing but did not speak publicly. Their lawyer, Patrick Steinfeld, issued a statement saying:
“The Rivas Hernandez family is committed to ensuring that Celeste’s voice is heard and her memory is honored throughout this process.”
The family has also asked for privacy as the case proceeds.
David Burke rose to prominence in 2022 after music he recorded on his phone gained attention on TikTok and gaming platforms. His growing popularity led to a recording contract and live performances, including major music festivals.
Burke is being held without bail in Los Angeles County. A preliminary hearing is expected, though a date has not yet been announced. The court process will determine whether sufficient evidence exists for the case to proceed to trial.
The cause of death has not yet been publicly released and is expected to be addressed in a coroner’s report.
