D4VD charged with murder in death of 14-year-old in Los Angeles

Authorities in Los Angeles have charged a music artist in connection with the death of a 14-year-old girl following a months-long investigation.

(CNN)-  The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office says David Anthony Burke—a musician known as “d4vd”—is facing charges including first-degree murder with special circumstances, mutilation of human remains and continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14.

“That killer that we have now charged is David Anthony Burke,” District Attorney Nathan Hochman said.

Burke pleaded not guilty during his initial court appearance Monday, with his attorneys entering the plea on his behalf.

The charges stem from the death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose remains were discovered seven months ago.

According to police, Celeste was last seen alive on April 23, 2025, when she arrived at Burke’s home in the Hollywood Hills.

“That’s the last time she was known to be alive,” said Jim McDonnell.

Investigators say her dismembered and decomposed body was later found in September inside the trunk of a Tesla registered to Burke.

Neighbors reported the vehicle appeared abandoned near Burke’s residence. After it was towed, a worker at the tow yard noticed a foul odor and alerted authorities, leading to the discovery. Following an extended investigation, Burke was arrested last Thursday at a home in the Hollywood Hills—about a mile from where the vehicle had been located.

Burke’s attorneys say they plan to “vigorously defend” him, maintaining that evidence will show he did not cause the teen’s death.