Musician David Burke, famous as D4vd, is facing charges with first-degree murder with special circumstances in the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The charges make him eligible for the death penalty. D4vd pleaded not guilty at his arraignment on Monday, April 20.
The Murder Charge
Prosecutors allege D4vd killed Celeste on or around April 23, 2025. The murder charges include special circumstances: lying in wait, committing a crime for financial gain, and murdering a witness in an investigation.
The Motive
District Attorney Nathan Hochman states the killing is commit for financial gain. He claimed Burke acted to maintain his “very lucrative musical career”
Prosecutors also allege the murder constituted killing a witness. There was an active investigation into Burke’s alleges sexual abuse of Hernandez at the time of her death.
Additional Charges
D4vd also charges with continuous sexual acts, lewd and lascivious sexual acts with an individual under 14 years old, and mutilating human remains.
Hochman said an investigation reveals D4vd was involved in a sexual relationship with Celeste when he was an adult and she was a minor.
Defense Response
D4vd’s attorneys said they will “vigorously defend David’s innocence”.
They stated: “The actual evidence in this case will show David Burke did not murder Celeste Rivas Hernandez and he was not the cause of her death”.
