Breakout alt-pop singer D4vd has been charged with first-degree murder in connection to the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
Prosecutors allege that David Burke is responsible for the teen’s death after her dismembered and decomposed remains were discovered inside a Tesla registered in his name.
Discovery Of The Body
Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s remains were found on September 8, 2024, inside a 2023 Tesla Model Y that had been towed from an upscale Hollywood Hills neighborhood after appearing abandoned.
Investigators say they discovered a cadaver bag with a strong odor of decomposition.
Inside were partial human remains. Additional bags reportedly contained dismembered body parts.
Officials have not publicly released a cause of death.
A court order remains in place blocking details from the autopsy.
Timeline Of The Case
Celeste Rivas Hernandez was reported missing by her family in 2024 from Lake Elsinore, California.
She was 13 at the time and 14 when she passed away.
Authorities did not publicly name David Burke as a suspect until his arrest.
However, court records show he had been under investigation by a grand jury for months.
The investigation became public in February when his family challenged subpoenas in a Texas court.
Family Reacts
Two days after David Burke’s arrest was announced, Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s father, Jesus Rivas, spoke out.
“Thank God … justice for Celeste,” he said in a statement provided to TMZ by family attorney Patrick Steinfeld.
D4vd’s Response
Attorneys for D4vd deny the allegations.
“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,” his legal team said.
They added they will “vigorously defend” his innocence.
Career Impact
D4vd rose to fame in 2022 with his viral hit “Romantic Homicide,” building a strong Gen Z fanbase and releasing multiple projects in 2023.
At the time the body was discovered, he continued his North American tour.
However, after reports of his possible involvement surfaced, he canceled the remaining shows and a planned European tour.
What Happens Next
The case remains under active investigation, with key details, including the official cause of death, still sealed.
Prosecutors are expected to proceed with formal court hearings as Burke’s defense team prepares its case.
The family of Celeste Rivas Hernandez has not issued a full public statement beyond the brief remark.
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