In brief
In a dramatic court appearance, US musician D4vd has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder charges after the remains of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez were found in his vehicle. The case has shocked the community, drawing national attention due to its tragic nature and the serious allegations against the rising star. D4vd's attorneys maintain his innocence and argue that the evidence will ultimately clear him of any wrongdoing.
US musician D4vd has pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree murder in the death of a teenage girl who vanished last year.
The star, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, is accused of murdering 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose decomposing remains were found in September in a Tesla registered to his Texas address.
Burke, 21, also was charged with murder for 'financial gain' and with murdering a witness to an investigation, according to the Los Angeles district attorney.
He did not speak during his arraignment on Monday – his first court appearance since his arrest last week. His lawyers entered his plea on his behalf.
In a Los Angeles courtroom on Monday, the musician's defense team insisted that the 'actual evidence will show that David did not kill Celeste' and was not the cause of her death. They stated, 'We will vigorously defend David's innocence.'
After months of speculation around the case, the atmosphere in the courtroom was tense, especially when the girl's parents entered.
The coroner's report detailing the circumstances of the teen’s death was also discussed, which had been withheld from the public. The hearing was marked by heavy emotion, with the parents visibly affected by the proceedings.
The DA's office outlined harrowing details about the case: Celeste went to Burke’s Hollywood Hills home on April 23, 2025, and was never heard from again. Her remains were discovered on September 8, in the trunk of his Tesla, revealing severed limbs, raising questions about the nature of her death.
Burke faces several grave charges, including murder with special circumstances of 'lying in wait' and 'financial gain'. It’s alleged he murdered Celeste to protect his rapidly growing music career that she posed a threat to that night.
This case has underlined the gravity of the charges against Burke, as the district attorney highlighted the potential for seeking the death penalty.
D4vd's musical career launched after he garnered attention on TikTok and released several hit songs, including 'Here With Me'. He now waits for further proceedings as he remains in custody without bail.
