d4vd Charged With Murder in Death of 14-Year-Old Girl as Prosecutors Allege He Killed to Protect Music Career

Prosecutors have charged singer d4vd with first-degree murder in the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, alleging he acted to protect his rising music career.

During a press conference on April 20, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced that d4vd, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, faces first-degree murder charges along with special-circumstance allegations, including murder for financial gain and murdering a witness to an investigation. Prosecutors also said the case includes allegations of sexual acts with a minor under 14 and the mutilation of a body.

According to authorities, Celeste went to Burke’s home on April 23, 2025, and “was never heard from again.” Her remains were later discovered on Sept. 8, 2025, inside the front trunk of an impounded Tesla registered to Burke’s address.

The motive alleged by prosecutors has drawn particular attention. Hochman said the state plans to argue that Burke killed Celeste in order to preserve his “lucrative musical career,” alleging that she had threatened to expose claims that could have damaged his future.

The timing has only intensified scrutiny. Burke’s debut album, Withered, was released on April 25, 2025, just two days after prosecutors say Celeste was last seen alive.

At the press conference, Hochman described the case as a “brutal and horrific murder.” He also said Burke could face life without parole or the death penalty if convicted.

The top prosecutor in Los Angeles County announced that singer D4vd has been charged with three felonies for the death of a 14-year-old girl whose body was found in the trunk of his impounded Tesla last year.

D4vd, legal name David Anthony Burke, faces a possible death sentence… pic.twitter.com/iyDURN8O2U

— Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff) April 20, 2026

Before authorities found her remains, Celeste’s family had reported her missing. Her loved ones remember her as a beloved daughter, sister and friend.

Burke’s legal team has strongly denied the allegations. In a statement issued after his arrest, his attorneys said the evidence would show that he did not murder Celeste Rivas Hernandez and was not the cause of her death.

Known for songs including “Here With Me” and “Romantic Homicide,” Burke rose quickly in the music industry, building a large following on TikTok and Spotify. After authorities found Celeste’s remains, he canceled the remaining dates on his world tour and stepped back from the spotlight while investigators continued the case.

The case remains ongoing.