D4vd, the rising star of the music scene, just entered a not guilty plea in a case that’s left many shaking their heads and raising eyebrows. This situation feels like a plot ripped straight from a thrilling drama—but here’s the catch: it’s all too real. With the tragic murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez hanging over his head, D4vd finds himself at the center of a legal whirlwind, one that’s generated more buzz than a full moon during Scorpio season. Months after her remains were discovered in the trunk of a Tesla—his Tesla, to be precise—details are emerging that paint a chilling picture. As the courtroom drama unfolds, we’re left wondering: How did things spiral so drastically for someone who was just on the brink of musical stardom? Fasten your seatbelt, folks; it’s going to be a bumpy ride down the rabbit hole of celebrity justice. LEARN MORE
D4vd has entered a not guilty plea in the murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, setting the stage for a legal battle that has already drawn significant public attention. His plea comes several months after the teen’s remains were found in the trunk of a Tesla registered to the singer. After months of investigation, more details are emerging about the case, including what allegedly led to the teen’s untimely death.
On April 16, D4vd, real name David Anthony Burke, was arrested in California in connection with the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. On April 20, as The Blast reported, the 21-year-old singer was charged with first-degree murder with special circumstances, lewd and lascivious acts with a minor under 14, and mutilation of a human body.
D4vd made his first court appearance hours after he was charged, wearing all black behind a glass partition. His counsel pleaded not guilty to all charges on his client’s behalf. The singer’s lawyers also requested a preliminary hearing within 10 days, a right the defendant is entitled to under the California Penal Code. According to multiple reports, the hearing has been set for April 23.
Dv4d was denied bail and remains in custody.
The prosecutors allege that D4vd killed Hernandez using a “deadly and dangerous weapon, a sharp instrument” in the crime. Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman stated, “When she threatened to expose his criminal conduct and devastate his musical career, Burke allegedly murdered her, cut up her body, and stuffed her body in two bags that were placed in the front trunk of his car.”
Hernandez’s family reported her missing three times in 2024. According to the DA’s office news release, D4vd invited Hernandez to his Hollywood Hills home on April 23, 2025, and that was the last time she was seen alive.
In September 2025, remains, later identified as Hernandez, were discovered in the trunk of an impounded Tesla that was registered to D4vd.

Following D4vd’s arrest on April 16, his lawyers said, “The actual evidence in this case will show that David Burke did not murder Celeste Rivas Hernandez, and he was not the cause of her death.” In court, they doubled down on their stance, adding, “We would like to have the evidence come into the light of day.”
The prosecution, in response, said they have 40 terabytes of evidence against D4vd and would be “very happy” to reveal what they have collected from months of investigation, per Deadline.
Hernandez’s family attended D4vd’s arraignment and sat quietly as the charges were read. However, they refused to speak to reporters. Hochman said he met some of the teen’s family and said, “Their grief is incalculable as to what happened to their daughter.”
Hernandez’s autopsy report was sealed by a Los Angeles Superior Court judge in November 2025, per a request from the Los Angeles Police Department. At that time, authorities argued that releasing the results would compromise the murder investigation.
Los Angeles County Chief Medical Examiner, Dr. Odey Ukpo, criticized the “security hold” on the results, saying that their mission is “full transparency.” “The practice of security holds is virtually unheard of in other counties and has not been proven to improve outcomes in the legal system,” said Dr. Ukpo. The only detail revealed to the public was the manner of death, which was homicide.
During D4vd’s arraignment, the judge ordered the L.A. County Medical Examiner’s Office to finally release the autopsy report, which will shed more light on the case as additional details emerge.

D4vd was a “Fortnite” gamer who created his own music for YouTube gaming videos to avoid copyright infringement. In 2022, he went viral for the song “Romantic Homicide,” which peaked at No. 33 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 4 on the Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart. D4vd’s success led to a recording contract with Darkroom/Interscope Records.
The singer made his Coachella debut in April 2025, and he was in the midst of his “Withered 2025 World Tour” when news broke that Hernandez’s body had been discovered in his Tesla. He subsequently canceled the remaining dates, and Interscope later dropped him following his arrest.
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