D4vd Charged With First-Degree Murder in Teen's Death
D4vd Charged With First-Degree Murder in Teen's Death
Prosecutors in Los Angeles County accuse 21-year-old art-pop singer D4vd of murdering 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, with remains found in the trunk of a car.
Los Angeles County prosecutors have charged 21-year-old pop-artist D4vd, whose real name is David Burke, with first-degree murder in the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The charge follows Burke's arrest last Thursday and comes after investigators linked the teen's decomposed remains to the car registered in Burke's name. The case has drawn intense scrutiny as details emerge about the months-long timeline surrounding the discovery of the body in a Tesla that had been abandoned in the Hollywood Hills for more than a month.
Earlier reports established that Celeste Rivas Hernandez went missing before her remains were found in September in the trunk of the impounded vehicle. The discovery prompted a deeper look into the circumstances surrounding the teenager's disappearance and eventual death, and authorities say the connections to the vehicle and its owner were pivotal in moving the case forward.
During a Monday press briefing, District Attorney Nathan Hochman stated that Burke will face a first-degree murder charge, a potential path to life in prison if he is convicted. Burke, 21, now faces the most serious homicide charge in a case that has captivated the local community and drawn attention from national outlets. The charge aligns with the findings that prosecutors say tie the teen's death to Burke and the vehicle registered under his name, though investigators have not disclosed motive or a complete narrative of the events.
Burke is expected to appear in court for arraignment as the legal process unfolds. While authorities have not released additional specifics about how the death occurred, the case underscores the ongoing challenges in homicide investigations and the pursuit of clarity for families affected by such tragedies. As the judicial process begins, the public will await more details about the investigation, the evidence linking Burke to the crime, and the steps ahead for Celeste’s family and the broader community.