• US singer D4vd faces murder charges in connection with the death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
• The 14-year-old girl's dismembered body was discovered in a Tesla linked to D4vd.
• D4vd faces multiple charges, including lewd acts with a minor and could face the death penalty.
• Prosecutors allege the killing was for financial gain to protect his musical career.
• The singer was arrested following an extensive investigation by a grand jury.

David Anthony Burke, known as D4vd, has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, a 14-year-old girl whose decomposing remains were discovered in an abandoned Tesla in September 2025, shortly before her 15th birthday. The Los Angeles District Attorney, Nathan Hochman, announced that D4vd's charges also include lewd acts with a minor and mutilation of human remains, with the potential for a life sentence without parole or the death penalty if convicted, according to latimes, scmp, and indiatimes.

On April 23, 2025, Rivas Hernandez was last seen at Burke's residence in the Hollywood Hills and was reported missing shortly thereafter. Authorities later found her dismembered body in the Tesla, which had been parked for a substantial period before being towed, with neighbors having reported a foul odor. The condition of her remains prevented an immediate determination of the cause of death, as stated by police chief Jim McDonnell, according to bbc and channelnewsasia.

The District Attorney characterized the case as a "parent's nightmare," citing special circumstances in the murder, including lying in wait and reportedly killing a witness who may have exposed Burke's illegal relationships with Rivas Hernandez. Hochman indicated that the singer's motivations were tied to protecting his lucrative music career, threatening to conclude Burke's financial success if the truth emerged, according to lemonde and aljazeera.

D4vd was taken into custody last Thursday and remains without bail as he awaits further legal proceedings. His legal team has firmly denied all allegations, claiming their client is innocent and asserting that evidence will support this position, a claim bolstered by statements from his lawyers reported in multiple sources including latimes and indiatimes. The situation continues to evolve as the court case develops.