In a profoundly shocking and disturbing development that has sent ripples through both the music industry and the true crime community, 21-year-old singer-songwriter David Anthony Burke—globally recognized by his stage name D4vd—has been formally charged with first-degree murder. The charges, announced by Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman on April 20, 2026, stem from the gruesome discovery of the dismembered and decomposing remains of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez inside Burke’s abandoned Tesla in September 2025. The horrific revelations stand in jarring contrast to Burke’s viral, melancholic indie-pop persona that skyrocketed him to fame with hits like “Romantic Homicide” and “Here With Me,” which originally gained traction through TikTok and gaming montages.
According to the criminal complaint filed by Los Angeles prosecutors, Burke’s alleged actions go far beyond the initial murder charge. He is additionally facing severe counts of lewd and lascivious acts with a child under the age of 14, as well as the unlawful mutilation of human remains. District Attorney Hochman revealed deeply unsettling details during a recent press briefing, stating that digital and forensic evidence suggests a multifaceted motive. Prosecutors allege that Burke engaged in an illicit relationship with the underage girl and intentionally killed her for financial gain, to silence her as a witness to a separate crime, and to prevent her from exposing conduct that would devastate his lucrative music career. Because the murder involves these specific “special circumstances”—including lying in wait and killing a witness—Burke is eligible for the death penalty if convicted in the state of California.
The timeline of the tragic case traces back to 2024 when Celeste Rivas Hernandez was initially reported missing by her family at the age of 13. Her whereabouts remained a heartbreaking mystery until September 2025, when her dismembered body was found stuffed into two bags in the front trunk of a Tesla impounded at a Hollywood tow yard. The vehicle was subsequently registered to a Texas address directly linked to Burke. During his first court appearance on April 21, 2026, Burke appeared emotionless in a black sweatshirt, avoiding eye contact with the victim’s grieving family. His high-profile defense attorney, Blair Berk, entered a plea of not guilty on his behalf and vehemently denied his involvement, pushing for preliminary hearings to begin immediately so the defense’s evidence could “see the light of day.” Burke is currently being held without bail as the highly publicized and tragic case moves forward.
