U.S. musician D4vd has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of a teenage girl who vanished last year, officials say.
The star, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, is accused of murdering 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose decomposing remains were found in September in a Tesla registered to his Texas address.
Burke, 21, also was charged with murder for financial gain and with murder of a witness to an investigation, according to the Los Angeles district attorney.
In a statement following his arrest, his lawyers said actual evidence in this case will show that David Burke did not murder Celeste Rivas Hernandez and he was not the cause of her death.
The Los Angeles County DA's office confirmed that D4vd is scheduled to be arraigned Monday in downtown Los Angeles, and cannot comment on grand jury investigations.
During a press conference, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman stated that on 23 April 2025, Rivas Hernandez went to Burke's house in the Hollywood Hills and was never heard from again.
Her dismembered remains were discovered on 8 September 2025 in the front trunk of Burke's Tesla.
A parent's nightmare is a situation where your daughter goes out one night and never comes back, Hochman said, announcing three sets of charges against the singer.
The charges against Burke include: first-degree murder with special circumstances of lying in wait, murder for financial gain, and murdering a witness.
Hochman accused Burke of killing the minor to protect his lucrative musical career, which Celeste was allegedly threatening on that fateful night.
Burke is also alleged to have had numerous sexual acts with Rivas Hernandez, who was a minor, and that her body was mutilated after her death.
The DA's office could eventually seek the death penalty in this case, Hochman added.
Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell responded to public criticism regarding the investigation, asserting that the duty remains to deliver justice for Rivas Hernandez with patience and discipline.
Burke remains in custody without bail following his arrest on Thursday. His attorneys have not commented on this matter.
The singer, known for his moody indie-pop hits like Here With Me and Romantic Homicide, initially gained fame for sharing videos on social media.
D4vd released his debut album in April 2025 and has millions of listeners on platforms such as Spotify and TikTok.
Authorities continue their investigation, urging anyone with information to come forward as they grapple with the tragic loss of Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
