Rapper ‘D4VD’, real name David Anthony Burke, has been charged with first degree murder following the discovery of deceased Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The 14 year-old was confirmed dead after her body was discovered in the front luggage compartment of a Tesla belonging to the rapper in September 2025.
The rapper is the leading suspect in the case and was arrested last week, April 16 2026. Three charges will be held against Burke, The Los Angeles District Attorney’s office announces, including first-degree murder and sexual crimes with a minor. Despite evidence stacking up against them, Burke’s legal team still claims he is innocent and did not kill the victim.
Seven months after the discovery of Celeste Rivas, an arrest has been made. Jim McDonnell of the Los Angeles Police Department issued a statement claiming that justice requires “patience and discipline” and that it is not their job to “fuel speculation” amid a case this high profile. After being reported missing in April of 2025, the trial of the teen’s murder is about to begin, over a year later. Key details into the murder of the 14-year-old had been kept from public view until last week, after the musician had been charged the need for secrecy had ended. The cause of death was determined on December 9th, 2025, two stab wounds to the abdomen and chest before bleeding to death. The body was discovered already dismembered and ‘badly decomposed’ according to the report released by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner. Chief medical examiner Dr. Odey Ukpo says in a statement, “After several months, I am grateful this information can now be released, not only to the public, but also to the grieving family enduring loss.”David Anthony Burke has denied any involvement in the murder of the young girl and will continue to claim innocence throughout the trial. Burke’s lawyers spoke to US media.
