Singer D4vd was charged on Monday in connection with the death of a 14-year-old girl, Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose body was discovered in the trunk of his Tesla in Los Angeles. D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, faces charges of first-degree murder, continuous sexual abuse, and mutilation of human remains. Prosecutors are seeking enhancements to the murder charge, alleging that Burke killed Celeste to protect his career and silence her as a witness. The criminal complaint suggests that the abuse occurred between September 7, 2023, and September 7, 2024, while Celeste lived with Burke. If convicted, Burke could face life in prison or the death penalty. Arraignment is scheduled for Monday afternoon.
Celeste was found in September in Burke’s abandoned Tesla, a day after her 15th birthday. Police discovered her body after noticing a foul odor coming from the vehicle at a tow lot. Reports indicate that Celeste, a runaway from Riverside, was in a relationship with Burke and was last seen alive in April 2025 at his Hollywood Hills residence. The investigation was complicated by the passage of time, which degraded evidence and led to the spread of false information. The cause of Celeste’s death has not been disclosed, and efforts are being made to release the autopsy report to the public.
Celeste was reported missing in 2024, and her remains were found to be incomplete, indicating that she had been deceased for an extended period. Burke canceled his tour dates following news of the discovery, and court documents revealed a grand jury investigation into the case. Burke’s attorneys have vowed to vigorously defend his innocence, claiming he had no role in Celeste’s death.
