Singer D4vd Charged in Teen Girl Murder Case

Singer D4vd Charged Over Teen’s Body Found in Tesla Singer D4vd Charged Over Teen’s Body Found in Tesla
Singer D4vd Charged Over Teen’s Body Found in Tesla. Credit: Houston Public Media.

Singer D4vd has been charged with the murder and dismemberment of a teenage girl, Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose decomposing body was discovered in an abandoned Tesla in the Hollywood Hills, authorities said on Monday.

The 21-year-old artist, identified as David Anthony Burke, was expected to appear in court over multiple charges linked to the death of Hernandez, whose body was found in September, days after what would have been her 15th birthday.

Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman said prosecutors were filing the most serious category of charges available, including first-degree murder with special circumstances. 

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Singer D4vd Charged Over Teen’s Body Found in Tesla
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell walks past an image of Celeste Rivas Hernandez on April 20, 2026, in Los Angeles after a press conference regarding the case of singer D4vd, who was charged on suspicion of killing the 14-year-old girl whose dismembered body was found in his car. Credit: Lemonde.

He said the alleged circumstances include lying in wait, financial motive, and killing a witness in an investigation.

“These charges include the most serious charges that a DA’s office can bring: that is first degree murder with special circumstances.

“The special circumstances being lying in wait, committing this crime for financial gain or murdering a witness in an investigation.”

Hochman added that a conviction could result in either the death penalty or life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.

Prosecutors also allege that Burke had repeated sexual contact with Celeste, who reportedly went missing from her family home at age 13. 

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