LOS ANGELES (TCN) — David Burke, a singer known professionally as D4vd, has been charged with murder in the death of a 14-year-old girl who was found dismembered and decomposing inside his abandoned Tesla last September.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced the charges against Burke on April 20. In addition to murder, Burke was also charged with one count each of sexual abuse of a child under the age of 14 and unlawful mutilation of human remains.
District Attorney Nathan Hochman said, “Celeste was just a child, under 14 years old, when David Burke allegedly engaged in repeated lewd and lascivious sexual relations with her. But Burke’s actions did not allegedly stop there. 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.”
He continued, “There the dismembered body sat for over four months, decomposing until it was found at a tow yard on Sept. 8, 2025. This horrific and gruesome murder committed by the charged sexual predator is shocking and appalling. To Celeste’s loved ones, we will get the justice you seek and deserve.”
The New York Post reports Burke was moved to segregation at a different jail due to being a high-profile, noteworthy inmate after he pleaded not guilty at his arraignment on April 20.
According to The Associated Press, allegations against Burke date back to 2023. Burke allegedly began to sexually abuse Rivas Hernandez, 13 at the time, in September of that year. It was previously reported by multiple outlets that Rivas Hernandez was a runaway, but according to court documents obtained by the outlet, she was reportedly living in Los Angeles, California, with Burke. She was reported missing by her family in April 2024; the AP reports she had been reported missing by them several times previously.
If convicted, Burke faces the death penalty or life in prison without the possibility of parole, per the DA. People reports Burke was denied bail at his arraignment and a preliminary hearing was scheduled for April 23.
MORE:
