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A Los Angeles grand jury has returned a series of grave charges against singer D4vd, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, after investigators linked a dismembered, decomposed body to a Tesla registered to him. The case has sparked intense media attention and legal scrutiny as prosecutors outline allegations involving a minor and an alleged attempt to hide the crime.
What prosecutors say: charges and alleged motives
The Los Angeles County District Attorney has charged Burke with first-degree murder. Authorities also allege several aggravating factors and related crimes.
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- First-degree murder with special circumstances
- Lewd and lascivious acts with a person under 14
- Mutilation of a body
The DA’s office lists the special circumstances as lying in wait, committing the killing for financial gain, and killing a potential witness. These allegations could elevate the sentence to life without parole or make the case eligible for the death penalty. The district attorney has not yet stated whether the death penalty will be sought.
How the remains were discovered and linked to the musician
Police located the victim’s remains in a car stored at a Hollywood tow yard. Officials responded after staff reported a strong smell coming from the vehicle on Sept. 8, 2025.
- The body was found dismembered and severely decomposed.
- It was inside the front trunk of a Tesla registered to Burke.
Investigators say the remains sat in the trunk for more than four months before the discovery.
Victim background and timeline of events
Authorities identify the victim as Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Her family had filed a missing-person report in 2024 when she was 13. Prosecutors allege Celeste was 14 when she last had contact with Burke.
- Missing-person report filed: 2024
- Alleged meeting at Burke’s Hollywood Hills home: April 23, 2025
- Body found: Sept. 8, 2025
The DA’s office says Celeste went to Burke’s residence and was not heard from again. Law enforcement has described a sexual relationship between the victim and Burke in their public remarks.
Legal stakes: potential penalties and next steps
If convicted on the top count, Burke faces the harshest possible penalties under California law. First-degree murder with special circumstances can lead to:
- Life in prison without the possibility of parole
- Or, in cases where prosecutors seek it, capital punishment
Prosecutors must decide whether to pursue the death penalty. That decision can shape pretrial proceedings and trial strategy.
Defense response and public reaction
Burke’s attorneys issued a statement shortly after his arrest. They maintain he is not responsible for the death and said the evidence will show he did not cause it.
The case has drawn widespread attention because of Burke’s profile as a touring singer. He had been performing dates on the d4vd Withered 2025 World Tour when investigators moved to detain him. After officials released the victim’s identity, the artist canceled the final North American shows and the planned European leg.
Investigative details authorities have emphasized
Prosecutors described the allegations as both sexual and violent in nature. They say the victim threatened to reveal the relationship and, according to the charges, Burke responded with lethal force and then dismembered the body.
The district attorney characterized the conduct as horrifying and said the office will pursue justice for the victim’s family. Law enforcement continues to gather and analyze evidence as the case advances toward arraignment and pretrial hearings.
