U.S. singer D4vd, also known as David Burke, entered a not guilty plea on Monday for the murder of a 14-year-old girl, Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose dismembered body was discovered in his abandoned Tesla nearly a year after she was last seen alive. The charges against Burke, including first-degree murder, lewd acts with a minor, and mutilation of a body, marked significant progress in the investigation that had been kept mostly confidential since the discovery of Hernandez’s remains.
According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, Burke allegedly killed Hernandez to safeguard his burgeoning music career after she threatened to expose their illicit relationship. The victim had been reported missing in 2024 at the age of 13, and prosecutors claim that Burke engaged in sustained sexual abuse of her for a year before the alleged murder. The charges against Burke also include special circumstances that could result in the death penalty, such as lying in wait and committing a crime for financial gain.
Burke’s attorneys maintain his innocence, asserting that the evidence will prove his non-involvement in Hernandez’s death. The case has been described as “a parent’s nightmare” by the Los Angeles County District Attorney, Nathan Hochman. The grim discovery of Hernandez’s body inside the Tesla occurred in September 2025, a day after she would have turned 15, while Burke was on tour promoting his album.
Following his arrest in Hollywood, Burke’s legal team released a statement vowing to vigorously defend his innocence. Despite being dropped by his record label, Interscope, Burke had gained popularity for his music that blended indie rock, R&B, and lo-fi pop, particularly with the success of his hit song “Romantic Homicide.” The tragic events surrounding Hernandez’s death have cast a shadow over Burke’s music career, leading to the cancellation of his scheduled performances in response to the widespread reports linking him to the murder case.