Murders and attempted murders

US Singer D4vd Pleads Not Guilty to Murder of Teenage Girl

Will justice finally be served or will the singer be cleared of these charges?

Published APR 21

US Singer D4vd Pleads Not Guilty to Murder of Teenage Girl

Story

Above: Singer David Burke during his arraignment in Los Angeles, California, on April 20, 2026. Image credit: Ted Soqui/Pool/Getty Images

The Facts

The U.S. singer David Burke, 21, whose stage name is d4vd, on Monday pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and other charges in connection with the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez whose dismembered body was discovered in a Tesla owned by the artist last year.
Reuters
BBC News
Firstpost
Earlier in the day, Los Angeles prosecutors had charged Burke with murder with special circumstances of lying in wait, committing a crime for financial gain and murdering a witness in an investigation. They also accused him of being in a "continuous" sexual relationship with the minor before her death, charging him with a series of related offenses to that allegation.
Reuters
BBC News
New York Post
Lawyers for Burke, who submitted the not guilty pleas on his behalf, said in a statement that: "The actual evidence in this case will show that David Burke did not murder Celeste Rivas Hernandez and he was not the cause of her death."
CNN
Guardian
Firstpost
Her decomposed body was discovered in two bags in the trunk of a Tesla Model Y on Sept. 8 — a day after she would've turned 15 — after a foul smell was reported from the vehicle. The car was at an impound yard having been seemingly abandoned and towed from the Hollywood Hills.
The Associated Press
Sky News
FOX News
Hernandez, originally from Lake Elsinore, roughly 70 miles (112 km) southeast from Los Angeles, was reported missing from her home as early as 2024 but was believed to be alive until April 2025 when prosecutors allege she went to Burke's home and was killed.
The Associated Press
CNN
Daily Mail
The judge in the case ordered that Burke be held in custody without bail. Meanwhile, Burke did not waive his right to a speedy trial and a further hearing to determine next steps was scheduled for Thursday.
The Associated Press
NBC
Daily Mail

Sources Split

LEFT

CENTER

RIGHT

ESTAB
CRIT

CENTER

PRO
ESTAB

The Spin

Narrative A

It is crucial that Burke has been arrested and charged, as this is the first step toward justice. This development may bring a sense of closure to Celeste's family after her cruel murder.

Los Angeles Police Department on X

TMZ

Narrative B

Allegations alone are no indicative of guilt, and D4vid should be presumed innocent until proven guilty. Lawyers for the singer look forward to proving their client's innocence.

People