Prosecutors have unveiled chilling new details about how they claim d4vd carried out the alleged killing of Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
In a statement released Monday (April 20), Nathan J. Hochman announced that the 21-year-old “Romantic Homicide” artist, born David Burke, has been formally charged in connection with the death of the 14-year-old—seven months after her decomposed and dismembered remains were found in the trunk of his Tesla.
He is facing charges including murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains.
The district attorney’s office also stated that the complaint alleges Burke “personally used a deadly and dangerous weapon, a sharp instrument, to commit the crime”—a detail that had not been disclosed during Hochman’s earlier press conference.
“Celeste was just a child, under 14 years old, when David Burke allegedly engaged in repeated lewd and lascivious sexual relations with her,” Hochman said. “But Burke’s actions did not allegedly stop there. When she threatened to expose his criminal conduct and devastate his musical career, Burke allegedly murdered her, cut up her body and stuffed her body in two bags that were placed in the front trunk of his car.
“There the dismembered body sat for over four months decomposing until it was found at a tow yard on Sept. 8, 2025. This horrific and gruesome murder committed by the charged sexual predator is shocking and appalling. To Celeste’s loved ones, we will get the justice you seek and deserve.”
Officials also outlined a timeline, claiming d4vd invited Rivas to his Hollywood Hills home on April 23, 2025, after which she was never seen again. Her remains were later discovered inside the front trunk of a Tesla registered to him, which had been reported abandoned and taken to an impound lot.
At the time of the discovery, d4vd was touring in support of his Withered album. He went on to perform on Sept. 9 at The Fillmore in Minneapolis after the news broke, but did not address the situation publicly. His remaining shows were eventually canceled, and a planned deluxe version of Withered was never released.
During his arraignment on Monday, he entered a “not guilty” plea in front of the court, members of the public, and Rivas’ family, who were dressed in black. He was placed in a holding enclosure out of view.
If convicted, he could face either the death penalty or life in prison without parole, though a final decision on whether prosecutors will pursue capital punishment will be made later.
