Singer D4vd has been charged with the murder of a 14-year-old girl, with prosecutors in Los Angeles stating the case could carry the death penalty if he is convicted.
David Anthony Burke, 21, was arrested on April 16 over the killing of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose remains were discovered in the front trunk of a Tesla at a Hollywood tow yard in September last year.
Prosecutors have charged Burke with first-degree murder with special circumstances, alongside counts of continuous lewd acts with a minor and mutilation of human remains.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office said the special circumstances include allegations the killing was carried out for financial gain and to silence a witness.
District Attorney Nathan Hochman said digital and forensic evidence suggests Burke killed the teenager to protect his music career from being exposed due to their alleged relationship.
“This murder was committed for financial gain,” Hochman said. “The financial gain was for Mr Burke to maintain his very lucrative music career.”
Prosecutors allege Celeste was invited to Burke’s home in April 2025 and was not seen again. Her remains were later found in a severely decomposed state, with investigators stating parts of her body had been dismembered.
The case also alleges the teenager was a witness in an investigation into sexual offences involving Burke and was “intentionally killed because of that fact”.
Burke appeared in court on Monday, where he entered a not guilty plea through his lawyer. He remains in custody without bail, with a further hearing scheduled for April 23.
His defence team said the evidence will show he did not cause the girl’s death. “We believe actual evidence will show that Mr Burke did not murder Celeste nor was the cause of her death,” his attorney said.
The charges carry a maximum sentence of life without parole or the death penalty, although prosecutors said a final decision on seeking capital punishment will be made at a later stage.
Authorities said the Tesla linked to Burke had been left on a public street before being impounded, with staff later raising concerns after noticing a strong odour coming from the vehicle.
The case has drawn significant attention due to Burke’s rise to fame through viral music releases and collaborations with major artists.