[Photo by Ye Jinghan on Unsplash]
April 30, 2026 (Thursday) – Eva Weber
As of April 20th, 2026, popular singer D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, has been charged with the murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
Burke is a well-known musician, famous for his emotional indie music, especially on TikTok, with hits like ‘Romantic Homicide’ and ‘Here With Me’. However, on September 8th, 2025, Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s dismembered remains were discovered in Burke’s impounded vehicle. Hernandez was a 13-year-old girl from Lake Elsinore, California, and was reported missing on April 5, 2024. Following the discovery, Burke became the subject of widespread public scrutiny online. Authorities launched a lengthy criminal investigation, which ultimately resulted in murder charges being formally filed against him in 2026 by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
According to their news release and public statement, prosecutors allege that Burke engaged in unlawful sexual relations with Hernandez while she was under the age of 14. District Attorney Hochman further alleged that Burke killed Hernandez after she threatened to expose the relationship, to which he allegedly dismembered and concealed her body inside his vehicle for several months prior to its discovery in September 2025.
Attorneys for the singer entered a not-guilty plea on his behalf and requested a preliminary hearing. Defense attorney, Blair Berk, stated that the defense believes evidence presented during the trial will demonstrate that Burke “did not murder Celeste Rivas Hernandez, nor was he the cause of her death.”
Burke was charged with murder, continuous sexual abuse of a minor under the age of 14, and the unlawful mutilation of human remains. Prosecutors additionally alleged several special circumstances, including murder of a witness, murder for financial gain, and lying in wait.
If convicted on all charges, Burke could face either the death penalty or life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
