Photo Credit; Getty Images
The fast-rising music career of singer D4vd has been abruptly overshadowed by grave criminal charges, after prosecutors in Los Angeles accused the 21-year-old of killing a teenage girl whose remains were discovered in his vehicle months after she vanished.
Authorities announced Monday that the artist, whose legal name is David Burke, is facing first-degree murder charges in connection with the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The case has drawn widespread attention, both for its disturbing details and the profile of the accused.
According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, the charges include special circumstances that could expose Burke to life imprisonment without parole or even the death penalty if convicted. Prosecutors allege the killing involved elements such as lying in wait, financial motive, and the silencing of a potential witness.
Officials say Celeste was last seen on April 23, 2025, when she visited Burke's residence in the Hollywood Hills. She was not heard from again. Months later, in September, her severely decomposed remains were discovered in the trunk of a Tesla registered to the singer after the vehicle had been left parked on a public street for an extended period.
Investigators have also accused Burke of engaging in unlawful sexual acts involving a minor, as well as mutilating human remains. Authorities claim the teenager may have posed a threat to Burke's career, a factor they allege contributed to the motive behind the killing.
Burke's legal team has strongly denied the allegations, maintaining his innocence and insisting that evidence will ultimately clear him of wrongdoing. He is expected to appear in court, though he has not yet entered a formal plea.
Police officials acknowledged that the case has been particularly challenging due to the condition of the remains and the time that elapsed before their discovery, which they say may have compromised key evidence.
Meanwhile, Celeste's family has remained largely out of public view, with their attorney stating they are focused on ensuring her story is heard as the legal process unfolds
