Singer D4vd Pleads Not Guilty to Murder Charges

Singer D4vd Pleads Not Guilty to Murder Charges

Los Angeles, CA – Singer D4vd, whose real name is David Burke, has pleaded not guilty to murder charges in the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The plea comes seven months after the tragic discovery of the teen’s dismembered and decomposed body. Prosecutors allege that Hernandez was a victim of sexual abuse by the then-21-year-old singer before her death.

Gruesome Discovery Sparks Investigation

Hernandez’s body was found in September inside a Tesla registered to D4vd at a Hollywood tow yard. The severe decomposition and dismemberment of her remains presented a significant challenge for investigators. The Los Angeles District Attorney’s office has charged D4vd with first-degree murder, lewd and lascivious acts with a minor, and mutilating a corpse.

Alleged Relationship and Timeline

According to prosecutors, Hernandez was a runaway from Riverside County. Detectives learned she was involved in a sexual relationship with Burke while she was a minor and he was an adult.

She was last known to be alive on April 23, 2025, when she allegedly went to D4vd’s Hollywood Hills home at his invitation. Her body was discovered approximately four months later.

“No parent or any human being should have to endure what you’ve gone through,” a prosecutor stated, addressing the victim’s family. Police and prosecutors described the case as a “parent’s worst nightmare.”

Defense Denies Involvement

D4vd’s legal team issued a statement after his arrest, asserting that the evidence will show he did not murder Celeste Rivas Hernandez. They maintain he was not the cause of her death. The defense has also demanded an immediate and open preliminary hearing, pushing back against any notion of secret proceedings.

Legal Proceedings and Special Circumstances

During a court appearance, D4vd, through his attorneys, entered a plea of not guilty. The defense team also requested a preliminary hearing within the statutory timeframe. Prosecutors have outlined three special circumstances for the first-degree murder charge: lying in wait, financial gain to protect his music career, and killing a witness to a crime.

The potential for the death penalty in this case has been raised, although California currently has a moratorium on executions. Legal experts suggest that the inclusion of special circumstances signals a strong belief by the prosecution in their case. However, the defense notes that a conviction for first-degree murder with special circumstances in California typically results in a mandatory life sentence.

Evidence Challenges and Defense Strategy

The significant time lapse between Hernandez’s death and the discovery of her body has led to concerns about degraded or missing evidence. Prosecutors acknowledge the complexity of cases without eyewitnesses or direct video evidence, requiring thorough digital and forensic investigation. The defense plans to scrutinize the investigation’s thoroughness and potentially argue that Hernandez died of natural causes or an accident, with D4vd and others panicking afterward.

The voluminous amount of discovery, estimated at 40 terabytes, presents a challenge for both sides. The defense has not waived time, indicating a strategic move to pressure the prosecution and ensure they are fully prepared for the preliminary hearing. This hearing is expected to reveal key evidence regarding the cause of Hernandez’s death.

Coroner’s Report and Future Proceedings

The coroner’s report, which has been sealed, is expected to be released soon and is considered crucial to the case. District Attorney Nathan Hawkman has stated that a conclusion on the cause of death has been reached. The preliminary hearing, scheduled for April 23, 2026, will provide the first public examination of the evidence presented by the prosecution.

The prosecution faces the difficult task of balancing the gruesome nature of the evidence, including the dismemberment and alleged sexual abuse, with the need to present a compelling case to a jury. Experts suggest that if the prosecution can prove these elements, it could make D4vd highly unlikable to jurors, potentially hindering any defense strategy.

Source: D4vd pleads not guilty, could face death penalty for the murder of Celeste Rivas (YouTube)