On Monday, April 20, 2026, singer D4vd appeared in a Los Angeles courtroom to face charges in the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose remains were discovered in September 2025 inside the front trunk of an impounded Tesla registered to the artist.
According to verified reports from the Associated Press and The New York Times, David Burke, who performs under the stage name D4vd, pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and related charges during his arraignment before Judge Theresa R. McGonigle in Los Angeles County Superior Court.
The case has drawn significant public attention due to the victim’s young age, the nature of the alleged crimes, and the defendant’s rising profile in the music industry. Burke, a 21-year-old American singer-songwriter, is best known for tracks like “Romantic Homicide” and “Here with Me,” which have garnered millions of streams worldwide.
Prosecutors allege that Burke sexually abused Celeste Rivas Hernandez before killing her with a sharp weapon and mutilating her body. The charges include first-degree murder with special circumstances, continuous sexual abuse of a child, use of a deadly weapon, and mutilation of human remains.
Celeste Rivas Hernandez was reported missing multiple times in 2024 after running away from her home in Lake Elsinore, California. She last contacted her family in May 2024. Surveillance and digital evidence indicated she was alive as late as January 2025, according to law enforcement investigations detailed in court filings.
Her remains were found on September 8, 2025, during a routine inspection of an impounded vehicle linked to Burke. Forensic analysis confirmed the identity of the victim through dental records and DNA testing, as stated in official documents released by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner’s office.
Burke was arrested in April 2026 following an extended investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department and the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office. He has remained in custody since his arrest, with bail denied due to the severity of the charges and concerns about public safety.
During the arraignment, Burke’s lead defense attorney, Blair Berk, stated that the defense believes “the actual evidence will show David Burke did not murder Celeste Rivas Hernandez.” The legal team has indicated plans to challenge the forensic timeline and question the chain of evidence related to the vehicle and remains.
The prosecution, led by Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office, argues that digital communications, vehicle GPS data, and forensic evidence from the Tesla’s interior place Burke in direct connection with the victim during the timeframe of her disappearance and death.
Judge Theresa R. McGonigle ordered the case to proceed to pretrial hearings, with a status conference scheduled for May 18, 2026. No trial date has been set as of this reporting.
The case has sparked broader conversations about child safety, online exploitation, and the responsibilities of platforms and caregivers in protecting vulnerable youth. Advocacy groups have called for increased monitoring of at-risk teens and better coordination between law enforcement and social services.
World Today Journal will continue to monitor this case as it develops through the judicial process. Readers are encouraged to consult official court records and verified news sources for updates.
What are your thoughts on how the justice system handles cases involving young victims and public figures? Share your perspective in the comments below and help foster a respectful, informed discussion.