Musician D4vd Charged With Murder of 14-Year-Old Girl in Shocking Los Angeles Case

20 April 2026

A picture of musician David Anthony Burke, known professionally as d4vd, is displayed during a press conference, in Los Angeles, California, U.S., April 20, 2026. REUTERS/Daniel Cole

Rising musician D4vd has been charged with first degree murder in connection with the death of a 14 year old girl in Los Angeles, a case that has stunned both the music industry and the public. Prosecutors allege that the 21 year old artist, whose real name is David Burke, is responsible for the killing of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose remains were discovered months after she was reported missing.

Authorities say the victim had been missing since 2025 before her decomposed body was found in September of that year inside a vehicle registered to Burke. The car had been abandoned in a Hollywood Hills neighborhood and later towed to an impound lot, where workers reported a strong odor that led to the discovery. The condition of the remains indicated that she had been dead for weeks before being found.

Investigators believe the victim was last seen alive when she arrived at Burke’s residence in the Hollywood Hills. According to law enforcement officials, she was never heard from again after that point, which raised concerns and ultimately led to a prolonged investigation. The timeline of events became central to the case as detectives worked to piece together her final movements.

Prosecutors have filed multiple charges beyond murder, including allegations of lewd acts with a minor and mutilation of human remains. They claim that Burke had an inappropriate relationship with the victim when she was under the age of 14 and that he killed her to prevent exposure of that relationship, which could have jeopardized his growing music career. These allegations significantly increase the severity of the case and potential penalties.

The case includes special circumstance allegations such as financial gain and witness elimination, which could make Burke eligible for the most severe legal consequences if convicted. Prosecutors described the crime as particularly disturbing, emphasizing the vulnerability of the victim and the calculated nature of the alleged actions. A decision on whether to pursue the death penalty has not yet been finalized.

Burke was arrested in April 2026 following months of investigation and is currently being held without bail. His legal team has denied the allegations and stated that he intends to fight the charges, maintaining that the evidence will ultimately prove his innocence. The case is expected to move forward through the court system in the coming months.

Before his arrest, Burke had built a rapid rise to fame through viral success on platforms like TikTok, where his music gained millions of streams and led to major record deals. His sudden legal troubles have not only halted his career but also sparked widespread reaction among fans, many of whom are struggling to reconcile his public image with the seriousness of the allegations.

As the case develops, it continues to draw intense attention due to its disturbing details and the high profile nature of the accused. The proceedings are expected to shed more light on what happened, while the victim’s family and community seek justice in a case that has left a lasting impact.