Los Angeles County prosecutors have formally charged singer D4vd with the murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas, marking a significant development in a case that began with the discovery of her remains in a vehicle trunk nearly a year ago. The charges, announced in a joint briefing by District Attorney Nathan Hochman and Sheriff Jim McDonnell, allege first-degree murder with special circumstances, a designation that could lead to life imprisonment without parole or the death penalty. Prosecutors say the investigation, which began in September 2024, has culminated in multiple felony counts against the artist, whose legal name is David Burke.
According to court documents and statements from law enforcement, Burke was taken into custody last week and remains held without bail as the case moves through the judicial system. The charges include allegations of sexual offenses involving a minor and mutilation of a body, in addition to the murder count. Prosecutors emphasized that the decision on whether to seek capital punishment has not yet been made and will be determined later in the legal process. Burke’s legal team and family have publicly denied the allegations, setting the stage for a high-profile trial expected to draw national attention.
The case traces back to September 2024, when authorities responded to a report of an abandoned Tesla in the Hollywood Hills. After the vehicle was towed to an impound lot, investigators discovered a decomposed and dismembered body in the front trunk. Forensic analysis later identified the remains as those of Celeste Rivas, who had been reported missing by her family for over a year. Her relatives told investigators she had been in contact with someone using the name “David,” a detail that helped renew focus on the dormant investigation.
At the time of the discovery, Burke was actively touring in support of his album Withered, performing at venues including The Warfield in San Francisco on July 30, 2024, and The Fillmore in Minneapolis on September 9, 2024. Concert footage from those shows featured stage elements such as a prop casket and memorial imagery, which prosecutors have referenced in their case as part of contextual evidence. Detectives later executed a search warrant at a residence linked to Burke’s management team, seizing electronic devices and other materials now part of the evidentiary record.
The special circumstances alleged in the murder charge — lying in wait, committing the crime for financial gain, or murdering a witness — are defined under California Penal Code Section 190.2, which allows for enhanced sentencing in first-degree murder cases. If proven, these factors could make Burke eligible for the death penalty, although California has maintained a moratorium on executions since 2006. Governor Gavin Newsom’s 2019 executive order halted all executions in the state, and no death sentences have been carried out since, though prosecutors retain the legal ability to seek the sentence.
Legal experts note that although the death penalty remains on the books in California, its application is highly rare in practice. Since the moratorium, prosecutors have occasionally pursued capital charges in high-profile cases, but juries have often opted for life sentences instead. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office has not sought the death penalty in any case since Hochman took office in December 2022, though he has not ruled it out categorically. Any decision to pursue capital punishment would require a separate penalty phase trial if Burke is convicted.
The additional charges of sexual offenses against a minor and mutilation of a body are classified as felonies under California law and carry significant prison terms if convicted. Prosecutors have not disclosed specific details about the nature of the alleged sexual offenses, citing the victim’s age and the ongoing nature of the investigation. Similarly, information about the alleged mutilation has been limited, with authorities describing it only in general terms consistent with the condition in which the remains were found.
Burke, who rose to prominence with his 2021 single “Romantic Homicide,” has maintained a growing presence in the alternative and indie music scenes. His album Withered, released in mid-2024, received critical attention for its thematic exploration of grief and loss. Fans and industry observers have expressed shock at the allegations, with many noting the apparent contradiction between the artist’s public persona and the severity of the charges. His representatives have not responded to repeated requests for comment since his arrest.
The case is currently in the pretrial phase, with Burke scheduled to appear for arraignment in the coming weeks. No trial date has been set, but legal proceedings are expected to unfold over several months given the complexity of the evidence and the number of charges. Court filings indicate that the prosecution plans to rely on forensic evidence, digital records, and witness testimony to build its case. The defense has signaled intentions to challenge the evidence and assert Burke’s innocence.
For updates on the case, the public can access docket information through the Los Angeles County Superior Court’s online case search system. Official statements from the District Attorney’s Office and Sheriff’s Department are typically released via their respective websites and social media channels. As the legal process continues, World Today Journal will monitor developments and provide verified, factual reporting on this evolving story.
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