Prosecutor Charges Musician Burke with Murder, Sex Crimes

Prosecutor Charges Musician Burke with Murder, Sex Crimes

Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced Tuesday that David Anthony Burke, a musician, has been charged with the murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas. The charges include first-degree murder with special circumstances, sexual offenses against a minor, and mutilating human remains. These allegations carry the potential for life in prison without parole or the death penalty.

The special circumstances alleged include lying in wait, committing the murder for financial gain, and murdering a witness to an investigation. District Attorney Gascón stated that the decision on whether to seek the death penalty will be made at a later time. He emphasized that the charges are not evidence but represent what prosecutors intend to prove in court through witness testimony and other admissible evidence.

A Parent’s Nightmare

District Attorney Gascón described the case as a “parent’s nightmare,” a situation where a child goes out one night and never returns. Celeste Rivas, 14 years old at the time, allegedly went to Burke’s Hollywood Hills home on April 23, 2025, and was never heard from again. Her dismembered and decomposed remains were found on September 8, 2025, in two bags inside the trunk of a car registered to Burke.

The investigation into Celeste’s death was a joint effort between the LAPD’s Robbery Homicide Division and the District Attorney’s Office. Both agencies stated they worked closely together throughout the investigation, arrest, and filing of charges, with no disagreements on how to proceed.

Charges and Special Circumstances

The charges against David Burke are complex. The first is first-degree murder with special circumstances.

One circumstance is that Celeste allegedly went to Burke’s home at his invitation and was never seen alive again. Another alleged circumstance is that the murder was committed for financial gain, specifically for Burke to maintain his musical career, which Celeste was allegedly threatening.

The third special circumstance is murdering a witness to an investigation. In this case, Celeste was allegedly a witness to lewd and lascivious sexual acts committed by Burke with her while she was under 14 years old. These sexual offenses are detailed in count two of the complaint.

LAPD’s Role and Investigation Challenges

LAPD Chief Michel Moore expressed his condolences to Celeste Rivas’s parents and acknowledged the seven-month investigation. He addressed criticism regarding the case’s handling and lack of detail, stating his duty is to deliver justice, which requires patience and discipline. The investigation’s purpose was to secure justice for Celeste and her loved ones, ensuring no action would jeopardize the case.

Chief Moore explained the difficulties faced by investigators. Celeste was reported as a runaway from Riverside County. Detectives learned she was involved in a sexual relationship with Burke when she was a minor and he was an adult.

The condition of her remains delayed the medical examiner’s ability to determine the cause of death, and the time lapse meant crucial evidence may have degraded or disappeared. Investigators also had to sift through and debunk a significant amount of false public information.

Evidence and Prosecution Confidence

Despite these obstacles, LAPD Robbery Homicide Division detectives remained focused, analyzing substantial digital and forensic evidence. They worked in close collaboration with the District Attorney’s Office to bring the case to this point. Both agencies expressed confidence in their ability to prove each charge and special circumstance beyond a reasonable doubt.

When asked about the cause of death, prosecutors stated that the coroner’s report would be released shortly via a court order, allowing for public disclosure. They confirmed that the coroner has made a determination on how Celeste died. Prosecutors also confirmed the existence of physical, forensic, and digital evidence intended to prove the charges, describing the “smoking gun” as the totality of the evidence presented in court.

Ongoing Investigation and Family Support

The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have urged anyone with material information about this murder or other actions by Mr. Burke to come forward. Prosecutors declined to comment on whether other individuals might be arrested or if Burke acted alone, stating the public would be informed of any further actions.

District Attorney Gascón met with Celeste’s family members, describing their grief as immeasurable. He assured them that the District Attorney’s Office and LAPD would provide proof beyond a reasonable doubt regarding who killed their daughter, how, and when, bringing the killer to justice. The hope is that today’s charges bring some measure of accountability and a step toward healing for the family.

Source: Watch: Prosecutors charge D4vd with murder in teen girl’s death (YouTube)