Singer David Burke, known artistically as D4vd, pleaded not guilty to murder and mutilation after the remains of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, 14, were found inside his personal vehicle.
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Legal proceedings against D4vd for serious crimes in Los Angeles
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office formalized a compelling indictment against 21-year-old David Burke. The musician, who rose to fame through the TikTok platform and hits like “Romantic Homicide,” faces charges of first degree murderlewd acts with a minor under 14 years of age and mutilation of a corpse. During his initial appearance Monday, Burke appeared behind security glass in the custody area, wearing black clothing. His legal team, led by attorney Blair Berk, entered not guilty pleas for all of the crimes charged. The presiding magistrate determined that the accused will remain in custody without the possibility of bail.
The hearing was attended by the victim’s parents, who maintained a posture of reserve and silence before the media present. This judicial movement breaks seven months of hermetic investigations that began after the discovery of the teenager’s dismembered remains.
Chronology of the alleged abuse and motive for the murder
The authorities suggest that Burke would have maintained a relationship of continuous sexual abuse with Rivas Hernandez since September 2023, when she was 13 years old. According to the prosecution, the singer would have committed the murder to protect his professional advancement, after the minor threatened to report the situation.
- September 2023 – 2024: Period of alleged sexual abuse continued while the victim was considered a fugitive.
- April 2025: Estimated date of death from sharp object attack at Burke’s Hollywood Hills residence.
- May 2025: Alleged mutilation of the corpse, approximately two weeks after death.
The release of his debut album, titled “Withered,” occurred just two days after the victim was last known to be alive. Special circumstances surrounding the case, such as stalking and the murder of a potential witness, empower prosecutors to consider the death penalty, a decision that has not yet been formally communicated.
Details of the discovery in the artist’s Tesla vehicle
Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s body was located on September 8, one day after her 15th birthday. The discovery occurred within a Tesla Model Y 2023 registered to Burke, which was towed from the Hollywood Hills to a warehouse while the singer was on tour.
Expert reports describe a scene described by prosecutor Nathan Hochman as every parent’s nightmare. Investigators detected a strong odor of decomposition and the presence of insects in a body bag located in the vehicle. Upon partial opening, detectives confirmed the presence of dismembered human remains, including the torso, head and separated limbs. Although the official cause of death has been blocked by court order to protect the integrity of the investigation, the lifting of the charges is expected to allow the release of autopsy details.
Legal defense and strategy before the court
Blair Berk, the musician’s main defense, has publicly stated that the evidence will show that Burke is not the author of the crime. Unlike most defendants in California, David Burke did not waive his right to a quick evidentiary hearing, which was scheduled for the Thursday following his arraignment. This strategy seeks for a judge to immediately determine whether there is sufficient evidence to advance towards an oral trial, based on the collection of data that the defense claims to have.
Interrupted career of an artist of the digital age
David Burke built his career under the alias D4vd, integrating indie rock and lo-fi pop sounds that resonated deeply with Generation Z. His 2022 viral hit rocketed him to the top of the Billboard charts, allowing him to sign with major labels like Darkroom and Interscope Records. However, it was confirmed that Interscope ended its contractual relationship with the artist last year.
Despite the course of the secret grand jury investigation, Burke continued his professional activity, performing at festivals such as Coachella. The definitive cancellation of his commitments in North America and Europe occurred only when reports about his connection with the Lake Elsinore case were widely disseminated in the media.
