D4vd Case Explained: Timeline of Arrest and Murder Charges Against Singer

Singer D4vd has been arrested over alleged links in the 2022 murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Currently lodged at the Los Angeles County Men’s Jail, the 21-year-old Burke is facing first-degree murder charges for allegedly killing Hernandez and dismembering her body.

Prosecutors have alleged that Burke was in an illegal s----- relationship with Hernandez while she was a minor. However, when the victim allegedly threatened to expose D4vd, he took extreme measures and murdered her in cold blood.

The prime evidence which has linked David Anthony Burke a.k.a D4vd to the murder of Hernandez is that the victim’s mutilated body was found in Burke’s car. While the artist has pleaded not guilty, investigator's said the teenager’s decomposed and severed body was found in body bags in the trunk of a Tesla registered in the name of Burke.

The shocking discovery was made when the singer was not around in LA and was reportedly at a music concert elsewhere. This detail has complicated the timeline of events.

Nearly two months after the discovery of Hernandez’s remains, reports indicated that Burke was considered a primary suspect in the case. It was confirmed through court documents that a grand jury had been set up to investigate him.

Burke's family members filed petitions in Texas seeking not to testify before the grand jury. They attached subpoenas from the LA District Attorney’s Office, which indicated that prosecutors were investigating Burke in connection with the death of Hernandez.

On April 16, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) finally arrested Burke. At the time, authorities said the arrest was based on suspicion while they presented the case to prosecutors.

On April 20, 2026, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman formally charged Burke with first-degree murder, continuous s----- abuse of a child under age 14, and mutilation of a body.

Prosecutors alleged that Burke used a sharp blade to kill Hernandez. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner later ruled the death a homicide, noting that the victim had deep penetrating wounds consistent with sharp-force injuries. A toxicology report also found traces of chemicals and alcohol in Hernandez’s body.

If convicted, Burke could face life in prison without parole or the death penalty. However, prosecutors have not yet decided whether they will seek capital punishment.

Defense attorneys for Burke have maintained his innocence.

In their joint statement, they said, “Let us be clear - 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. There has been no indictment returned by any grand jury in this case and no criminal complaint filed. David has only been detained under suspicion. We will vigorously defend David’s innocence.”