D4vd Case Timeline: From TikTok Fame to Murder Charges in 14-Year-Old’s Death

David Anthony Burke, also known as D4vd, was recently arrested. He has been accused of s------- assaulting a 14-year-old victim, Celeste Rivas Hernandez, before allegedly murdering her and mutilating her body. The remains of the teenager were later discovered in the trunk of Burke’s Tesla vehicle.

On April 20, the Los Angeles prosecutors officially filed charges against Burke in connection with the 2023 case. His defense attorney pleaded not guilty on his behalf during the arraignment.

David Burke began his music career by creating tracks for video game montages, which he posted online, mostly on TikTok. One of his early hits, "Romantic Homicide", released in 2022 and peaked at the number 4 spot on Billboard’s Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart.

Prosecutors alleged that about one year after gaining fame, Burke started s------- abusing Celesta Rivas Hernandez who was then 13. The victim had run away from home and was reportedly living with Burke in Los Angeles.

By April 2024, Rivas Hernandez’s family reported that she was missing. Authorities noted this was not the first time she left home. Meanwhile, Burke allegedly ignored the situation and continued his musical pursuits, including performing at Coachella.

In the ongoing investigation, prosecutors alleged that Burke killed Hernandez because he believed she posed a threat to his career. The victim’s family has claimed that their daughter was killed on or about April 23, since it was the last day that they heard from her.

On September 8, 2025, the decomposed and mutilated remains of Hernandez were discovered inside bags in the trunk of an abandoned vehicle belonging to Burke. Prosecutors alleged that Burke had severed the teenager’s arms and legs by around May 5, the same year.

The vehicle was abandoned in an upscale Hollywood neighborhood and was later towed. During a search, police spotted a cadaver bag in the trunk filled with bugs. It had the victim’s head and torso. Her limbs were found in a separate bag.

After the funeral service, authorities blocked the release of the coroner’s report, citing a security hold. A grand jury investigation later identified Burke as the prime suspect. On April 16, the singer was arrested on grounds of suspicion that he had contributed to the murder of the teenager.

On April 20, 2026, Burke was formally charged with murder, lewd and lascivious acts with a person under 14 and mutilating a body. If convicted, Burke may face harsher sentences from the jury.

Additionally, there are also allegations that the singer purposely lured the victim to his home.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office statement read, “When she threatened to expose his criminal conduct and devastate his musical career, Burke allegedly murdered her.”