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OtherUS singer D4vd pleads not guilty to murder of missing teen girl
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US musician D4vd, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder in the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The teen vanished in April 2025, and her dismembered remains were found in September 2025 in the front trunk of a Tesla registered to Burke's Texas address. Burke, 21, faces additional charges of murder for financial gain and murder of a witness to an investigation. Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman stated that the teen was a witness in an investigation of sexual acts committed by Burke, and that the murder was allegedly committed to protect his musical career. The DA's office may seek the death penalty. Burke did not speak during his arraignment; his lawyers entered the plea on his behalf.
Source report
US musician D4vd has pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree murder in the death of a teenage girl who vanished last year.
The star, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, is accused of murdering 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose decomposing remains were found in September in a Tesla registered to his Texas address.
Burke, 21, also was charged with murder for "financial gain" and with murder of a witness to an investigation, the Los Angeles district attorney said.
He did not speak during his arraignment on Monday – his first court appearance since his arrest last week. His lawyers entered his plea on his behalf.
Key Details from the Prosecution
During an earlier press conference on Monday, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said that on 23 April 2025, Rivas Hernandez went to Burke's house in the Hollywood Hills and "she was never heard from again."
Her dismembered and decomposed remains were found on 8 September 2025 – when the investigation first began – in the front trunk of a Tesla registered to Burke, court documents said. When authorities removed the bag, they discovered severed arms and legs inside, the documents said.
"A parent's nightmare is a situation where your daughter goes out one night and never comes back," Hochman said.
Charges Filed
Hochman announced three sets of charges against the singer:
- First-degree murder with special circumstances of "lying in wait"
- Additional special circumstances of alleged murder for "financial gain" – Hochman accused Burke of murdering the 14-year-old to maintain his lucrative musical career "that Celeste was threatening on that particular night"
- Murder of a witness to an investigation – He said evidence shows Rivas Hernandez was a witness in an investigation of sexual acts committed by Burke
Hochman added that the charges involve numerous sexual acts with a minor and the mutilation of a body. The DA's office could eventually seek the death penalty in the case, he added.
Source: BBC News
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US Singer D4vd Pleads Not Guilty to Murder of Missing Teen Girl