D4vd, the young musician known for his rapid rise in the music industry, has pleaded not guilty to multiple murder charges in Los Angeles. The case centers on the death of 14 year old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose disappearance last year drew widespread attention.
The artist, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, appeared in court for the first time since his arrest. He did not speak during the hearing, with his legal team entering the plea on his behalf. The courtroom atmosphere reflected the weight of the allegations, with family members of the victim present.
Charges outline serious allegations
Prosecutors have filed several charges, including first degree murder with special circumstances. Additional counts relate to allegations that the killing was connected to financial motives and that the victim was a potential witness in an investigation.
Authorities allege that the teenager visited Burke’s residence in the Hollywood Hills in April 2025 and was not seen again. Months later, in September, her remains were discovered inside a vehicle registered to an address linked to him.
Investigators say the condition of the remains complicated efforts to determine the exact cause of death. The delay between the disappearance and the discovery of the body also posed challenges for forensic analysis.
Investigation details emerge in court
The case developed over several months, with law enforcement agencies conducting interviews and gathering evidence before making an arrest. Officials have indicated that some witnesses cooperated with investigators, while others did not, contributing to the length of the process.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office has described the allegations as severe, noting that the charges include factors that could carry the most serious penalties under California law. Prosecutors have not ruled out pursuing the death penalty.
Police officials have defended the pace of the investigation, emphasizing the need for careful handling to avoid compromising the case. They have pointed to the complexity of the evidence and the importance of ensuring that all findings meet legal standards.
Defence maintains D4vd innocence
Burke’s legal team has signaled that it intends to challenge the prosecution’s case. They have indicated that they believe the evidence will not support the charges and that he was not responsible for the teenager’s death.
The defence has also pushed for greater transparency, requesting that certain proceedings be made public after earlier stages were conducted behind closed doors. The court has since ordered the release of some information, including findings from the coroner.
As the legal process moves forward, both sides are preparing for a trial that is likely to draw significant public attention.
Victim remembered as case continues
For the family of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, the legal proceedings represent only one part of a larger loss. They have described her as a young girl with a love for music and family life, someone whose absence has left a lasting void.
Their focus remains on seeking justice as the case unfolds. The presence of her parents in court underscored the emotional weight carried into each stage of the proceedings.
Career paused amid legal battle
Before his arrest, D4vd had been building momentum in the music world. His songs Here With Me and Romantic Homicide helped him gain a large audience, particularly among younger listeners. He released his debut EP Petals To Thorns in 2023 and followed with a full length album in 2025.
His growing popularity included millions of monthly listeners on streaming platforms and a strong presence on social media. He had also toured with SZA, further raising his profile.
That trajectory has now been interrupted. Following the discovery of the remains, he canceled a planned world tour and withdrew from public appearances. His future in the music industry remains uncertain as the legal case progresses.
