Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochmanrevealed this Monday the possible motive that led to the murder of Celeste Rivas Hernández, 14, of which the singer D4vd was accused.
The remains of the Hispanic teenager were discovered on September 8, 2025 in the trunk of a Tesla car, in the name of the singer whose name is David Anthony Burkein a trailer park in Hollywood.
“Celeste know-how just a girl, under 14 years old, when David Burke allegedly engaged in obscene and lascivious sexual relations with her on repeated occasions“Declared Hochman, during a press conference in which he announced the charges against the artist.
Keep reading: D4vd singer arrested on suspicion of murder of 14-year-old Hispanic woman in Los Angeles
“But Burke’s actions didn’t stop there. When she threatened to reveal her criminal behavior and ruin her music career, Burke allegedly murdered her.dismembered his body and put it in two bags that he placed in the front trunk of his car,” the prosecutor added.
According to Hochman, Celeste’s remains remained in the trunk for more than four months before being discovered in the vehicle yard in Hollywood.
“This spoiled and gruesome murder committed by the accused of sexual assault is shocking and atrocious. To Celeste’s loved ones, we assure you that we will obtain the justice you seek and deserve,” added the Los Angeles County prosecutor.
Keep reading: Singer D4vd would be the target of investigation in the case of Celeste Rivas, in Los Angeles
According to the criminal complaint, Rivas Hernández, who escaped from the family home in Lake Elsinore, She was a guest at D4vd’s Hollywood Hills residence on April 23, 2025 and was never heard from again..
About five months later, Celeste’s remains were discovered in a state of decomposition in the front trunk of the Tesla owned by the singer inside two body bags.
“I am a father of three children, and every father’s worst nightmare is that your daughter goes out one night and never comes back.“said Hochman.
Keep reading: Celeste Rivas’s body was not frozen or mutilated, says the Los Angeles police
Prosecutors announced this Monday that D4vd was charged with one count of murder, one count of continuous sexual abuse of a minor under 14 years of age and one count of unlawful mutilation of human remains.
The charges against the singer include aggravating circumstances: stalking, murder of witness during investigation, and commission of crime for profit, as well as a special allegation that D4vd personally used a deadly and dangerous weapon, a sharp instrument, to commit the crime.
“In this particular case, as will be seen at trial, the investigation witness was Celeste and the investigation concerned lewd and obscene sexual acts committed by Mr. Burke,” Hochman added.
Keep reading: Court order forces the Los Angeles coroner not to reveal data about Celeste Rivas
Burke pleaded not guilty to the charges on Monday. during a preliminary hearing at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center, which was attended by Celeste Rivas’s family.
The judge handling the case against David Burke, Theresa R. McGonigle, announced that the singer’s next appearance in court It is scheduled for April 23.
“The evidence in this case will demonstrate that David Burke did not murder Celeste Rivas Hernández nor was it the cause of his death,” said the team of lawyers from the Berk Brettler LLP firm, which represents the singer.
Keep reading: Authorities would have a second suspect for the crime of Celeste Rivas in Los Angeles
If convicted on all charges, David Burke could face a maximum penalty of life in prison without the possibility of parole or the death penalty. Hochman said prosecutors will decide later whether to seek the death penalty.
Singer D4vd was arrested by Los Angeles Police Department officers the afternoon of Thursday, April 16 at a residence in the Hollywood Hills. He remains in custody without bail.
Keep reading:
· D4vd would be linked as a suspect to the death of a young Hispanic woman in Los Angeles
· Without clear cause, the death of a Hispanic woman found in a singer’s car in Los Angeles
· More details emerge about young Hispanic woman found dead in Los Angeles
