D4vd Faces Murder Charges Over Dismembered Teen in Car Trunk
D4vd Faces Murder Charges Over Dismembered Teen in Car Trunk
Prosecutors accuse rising alt-pop star D4vd (David Burke) of murdering and dismembering 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez to shield his career; case could hinge on death penalty.
A Los Angeles prosecutor's office delivered new details in the case against D4vd, the 21-year-old singer whose legal name is David Anthony Burke. Prosecutors say he murdered and dismembered Celeste Rivas Hernandez, who was 14 at the time, in order to shield his career after she threatened to report their sexual relationship, which allegedly began when she was 13. The criminal complaint lists charges of first-degree murder, lewd and lascivious acts with a minor under 14, and mutilating a body. Prosecutors also cited special circumstances—lying in wait, financial gain, and murder of a witness—that could render the case eligible for the death penalty, though they have not said whether they will seek it.
The grisly remains were found in the trunk of a car registered to Burke in the Hollywood Hills area, according to authorities. Rivas Hernandez was first reported missing by her family in 2024 and was last known to be alive on April 23, 2025, when she reportedly went to Burke’s home. Investigators say the sexual relationship began when she was 13 and continued into 2024, forming a core element of the allegations in the case.
The case has intensified scrutiny of how fame and power can intersect with serious criminal allegations. California maintains a death penalty statute, but the state administers a moratorium on executions, meaning a death sentence would require legislative or judicial changes to be carried out. Prosecutors have not announced their decision on seeking the death penalty, and the broader legal process will shed light on the evidence and the timeline of events that led to the charges.
As the legal proceedings move forward, families and advocates are calling for transparency and accountability, while fans and observers await further details about the substantial allegations and the evidence the prosecution will present at trial.
