D4vd, born David Burke, was formally charged in the murder of teen Celeste Rivas Hernandez on Monday (April 20).
At a press conference, which came after last week’s arrest of the Withered artist in connection with the case, Rivas, a minor, was described as a “reported runaway” with whom D4vd was allegedly in a sexual relationship.
Specific charges, as announced during a presser led by Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman and LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell on Monday, include first-degree murder with special circumstances. Additional allegations made against the “Here With Me” singer include “continuous sexual acts—lewd and lascivious sexual acts—with an individual under 14 years old,” plus “mutilating the human remains of a body.”
During the presser, Rivas’s murder was described as “brutal” and “horrific,” with Hochman also detailing the special circumstances of the first-degree murder charge.
“The special circumstances being lying in wait, committing this crime for financial gain, or murdering a witness in an investigation,” he said, later adding that the defendant’s alleged “lewd and lascivious sexual acts” were the subject of an investigation in which Rivas was a witness.
In a press release issued shortly after Monday’s press conference, Hochman further accused of Burke having used “a sharp instrument” when carrying out the alleged crime.
“When [Celeste Rivas] 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,” Hochman said. “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.”
Following his initial arrest last week, attorneys for D4vd issued a statement arguing that evidence in the case will show their client “did not murder Celeste Rivas Hernandez” and was “not the cause of her death.”
As it stands now, D4vd is facing a potential life sentence without the possibility of parole, or even the death penalty, per Hochman. He is charged with murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under the age of 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains.
Complex has reached to legal reps for D4vd for additional comment, as well as to the DA’s office. This story may be updated.
