Singer D4vd Faces Murder Charges in Teen Girl’s Tragic Death
Singer D4vd, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, faces formal charges Monday. Authorities link him to the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
Charges and court schedule
Los Angeles County prosecutors announced they will file first-degree murder charges. District Attorney Nathan Hochman said special enhancements could make Burke eligible for the death penalty later.
Prosecutors also allege lewd and lascivious sexual acts with a person under 14. They further accuse Burke of mutilating human remains. An arraignment is expected Monday afternoon.
Discovery and evidence
Investigators located Celeste on Sept. 8 inside the trunk of an abandoned Tesla. The vehicle had been impounded at Hollywood Tow after workers reported a foul odor.
Officials said the remains were not intact. They also said decomposition suggested she had been dead for an extended period.
Timeline and missing-persons details
Celeste was reported missing in 2024 from Lake Elsinore, southeast of Los Angeles. She was last known to be alive on April 23, 2025, when she arrived at Burke’s Hollywood Hills home.
The delay between her disappearance and discovery damaged some physical evidence. The medical examiner has not released her cause of death due to a security hold requested by police.
Investigation steps and grand jury
A February court filing showed Burke was the target of a grand jury probe. That filing said Celeste “may have been the victim of foul play.”
Both of Burke’s parents, Colleen and Dawud Burke, were ordered to appear before the grand jury on Feb. 11.
Response from defense and artist
Burke’s lawyers, Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski and Regina Peter, said they will vigorously defend his innocence. Their statement asserted that evidence will show Burke did not cause Celeste’s death.
Burke was on tour when the remains were discovered. He canceled the remaining shows after news of the discovery became public.
Public safety and next steps
Los Angeles police emphasized the need to sort facts from false information circulating online. Detectives continue to gather and analyze evidence.
Filmogaz.com will provide updates as the case develops. The public can expect further court filings and procedural decisions this week.
