Musician D4vd Pleads Not Guilty to First-Degree Murder in Death of Teen Found in Tesla Trunk
David Burke, 21, charged with special circumstances including lying in wait and murdering a witness; faces life without parole
Quick Look
- David Burke, the 21-year-old musician known as D4vd, pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and other charges in the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose dismembered remains were found in the trunk of his Tesla in Hollywood.
- Prosecutors charged him with murder with special circumstances of lying in wait, committing a crime for financial gain and murdering a witness.
- He faces life without parole, and the DA may seek the death penalty.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
David Burke, known professionally as D4vd, is a 21-year-old musician who gained popularity through social media platforms. The case involves a missing teen whose remains were found nearly 18 months after her disappearance, generating significant public interest due to the musician's public profile and the gruesome nature of the crime.
David Burke, a 21-year-old musician known professionally as D4vd, pleaded not guilty on Monday to first-degree murder and other charges in the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, months after her dismembered body was found inside the boot of his Tesla in Hollywood.
Burke was charged with murder with special circumstances of lying in wait, committing a crime for financial gain and murdering a witness in an investigation. He faces a maximum prison sentence of life without parole. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said prosecutors would decide later whether to seek the death penalty.
Lawyers for the singer entered the not-guilty plea on his behalf and asked for a preliminary hearing to be held as soon as possible for him to hear the evidence prosecutors say they have gathered.
“We believe the actual evidence will show David Burke did not murder Celeste Rivas Hernandez, nor was he the cause of her death,” defence lawyer Blair Berk said at Los Angeles Superior Court.
Judge Theresa McGonigle said no bail would be set for Burke, who remains in custody.
Earlier on Monday, Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell said Celeste’s decomposed and dismembered remains were found in September 2025 in a Tesla registered to Burke. She had been missing for nearly a year and a half when the remains were discovered in the car, separated into two bags, Hochman said.
Open Questions
- What was the motive for the murder?
- How did the victim and defendant know each other?
- What evidence links Burke to the crime?
- Were there any prior reports of missing persons related to this case?
