Teenager D4vd Charged in Murder of 14-Year-Old Celeste Rivas Hernandez

Rapper D4vd Charged with Murder of 14-Year-Old Girl

A Los Angeles County grand jury has charged singer David Burke, also known as D4vd, with first-degree murder and additional charges in connection with the death of a 14-year-old girl. The victim, Celeste Rivas Hernandez, was last seen alive nearly a year ago.

Burke, 21, faces charges that could lead to life without parole or the death penalty due to special circumstances surrounding the case, including lying in wait and committing a crime for financial gain. He pleaded not guilty on Monday.

According to authorities, Rivas Hernandez’s dismembered body was discovered in September inside an abandoned Tesla linked to Burke. The vehicle was registered in his name at his Hollywood Hills home.

Burke had been under investigation by the Los Angeles County grand jury since February, when his mother, father, and brother objected to subpoenas demanding they testify about him. The singer had gained popularity among Gen Z for his blend of indie rock, R&B, and lo-fi pop, including a viral hit on TikTok in 2022.

Burke was arrested at his home in Hollywood on Thursday and is being held without bail. Prosecutors have not yet decided whether to seek the death penalty. Burke’s lawyers claim that the evidence will show he is innocent, stating that “the actual evidence in this case will show that David Burke did not murder Celeste Rivas Hernandez and he was not the cause of her death.”

Source: Al Jazeera