D4vd accused of murdering Celeste Rivas: rapper faces death penalty

D4vd indicted for the murder of Celeste Rivas Hernandez

Known for his song “Here With Me,” rapper D4vd has been officially charged with the murder of Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Nathan Hochman, the district attorney of Los Angeles County, announced that the American artist, whose real name is David Burke, was indicted for first-degree murder, lewd acts upon a minor under 14, and mutilation of a corpse in connection with the teenager’s murder. According to TMZ, the murder charges include aggravating circumstances such as ambush, crime for profit, and murder of a witness, which could result in the death penalty. The prosecution, however, did not indicate if they will seek it. The rapper’s indictment comes a few days after his arrest by the Los Angeles police. Police chief Jim McDonnell asserted that there is digital and forensic evidence linking D4vd to the crimes.

Context: D4vd, also known as David Burke, is facing serious charges related to the murder of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, a 14-year-old girl.

D4vd indicted for the murder of Celeste Rivas seven months after her body was found

Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s family reported her missing in 2024 when she was only 13 years old. Last September, a decomposed body was discovered inside a Tesla Model Y registered in the name of the 21-year-old rapper. Court documents revealed that investigators from the Los Angeles County Coroner’s office found a body bag “covered in insects and emitting a strong odor of decomposition” in the Tesla’s trunk during the search. When detectives partially opened the bag, they found a head and torso inside. They then removed the bag from the vehicle and “discovered that the arms and legs had been severed.” A second black bag containing other dismembered body parts was also found inside the Tesla. The body was identified as Celeste Rivas Hernandez, who was 14 at the time of her disappearance.

Fact Check: The article states the detailed and grim findings of the investigators regarding the condition of Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s body when it was discovered in the Tesla.

D4vd’s lawyers proclaim his innocence after his arrest

Shortly after D4vd’s arrest by the criminal investigations unit, his lawyers released a statement declaring his innocence. “Let’s be clear: the concrete evidence in this case will show that David Burke did not murder Celeste Rivas Hernandez and he is not the cause of her death,” the statement read. David Burke was on a world tour when the teenager’s body was identified in a car registered in his name.

Context: D4vd’s legal team is asserting his innocence in light of the murder charges brought against him in connection to Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s death.