By Jailene Giron
The singer David Anthony Burke pleaded not guilty during his first appearance in a Los Angeles court, this after the County Prosecutor’s Office formally filed charges against him for the crime of murdering the 14-year-old teenager Celeste Rivas Hernández.
The hearing, which took place on April 20 at the Foltz Criminal Justice Center, was led by Judge Theresa McGonigle and She revealed D4vd for the first time since the minor’s body was found inside the trunk of a Tesla vehicle registered in her name in September 2025.
During the session, Judge Theresa McGonigle denied bail requested by the defense of the 21-year-old rapper.
However, The court granted the request of D4vd’s defense to hold a preliminary hearing scheduled for April 23date on which initial elements of the ongoing case will be reviewed.
Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office formally files murder charges against rapper
The “Locked & Loaded” singer was arrested on April 16 at a Hollywood Hills residence by Los Angeles Police Department officers.. According to the official report from the authorities, he surrendered without resistance during the operation at his home.
Until that moment, the public was unaware of the details of the ongoing investigation that identified him as the main suspect in the murder of Celeste Rivas Hernández. However, after the Los Angeles County Prosecutor’s Office filed formal charges against him, It was revealed that the accused had committed repeated sexual abuse against the victim before her death.
Likewise, the county prosecutor, Nathan Hochman, stated that the minor was last seen at the singer’s residence in April 2025 and that since that date no member of her family had contact with her.
Within the initial presentation of the prosecution, it was also stated that the homicide would have had the objective of “avoiding legal implications in open investigations and preserving the musical career of the accused.” It should be emphasized that these statements must be evaluated in the corresponding judicial stages within the process.
Continue reading:
• D4vid arrested months after a body was found in his vehicle
• D4vd cancels its entire tour in the US after finding the body of Celeste Rivas in her Tesla
