Singer D4vd pleads not guilty in teen's murder case, trial set
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Singer D4vd, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, pleaded not guilty in the 2025 death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
A February trial and a January 11, 2027 status conference are now set in Los Angeles.
Background
D4vd is the stage name of David Anthony Burke, a 21-year-old Houston-raised singer charged with murder and other counts in the death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, a 14-year-old whose remains were found in the trunk of a Tesla registered to him. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman says the lying-in-wait allegation stems from Burke's invitation to the teen to his Hollywood Hills home, and that the financial-gain allegation stems from his effort to protect his music career. Burke's attorneys have maintained his innocence, and the case is now headed toward trial after a judge found enough evidence to proceed.
How it unfolded
- Apr 23, 2025Prosecutors say Burke invited the teen to his Hollywood Hills home, the basis for the lying-in-wait allegation.
- Sep 5, 2025A Tesla registered to Burke was towed while parked about 400 feet from his home, three days before the remains were found, per a prosecution filing.
- Sep 8, 2025The teen's body was found in the trunk of the Tesla at a Hollywood tow yard, days after what would have been her 15th birthday.
- Apr 16, 2026Burke was arrested by Los Angeles Police Department officers and is being held without bail.
- Apr 20, 2026Burke was charged with capital murder plus special circumstance allegations of lying in wait, murder for financial gain and killing a witness.
- Jul 2026Judge Charlaine Olmedo found sufficient evidence after more than four days of testimony to send the case to trial.
- Aug 31, 2026Burke pleaded not guilty; three private attorneys withdrew and public defenders took over.
- Oct 19, 2026A brief status conference ended with both sides agreeing to a February trial date and a Jan. 11, 2027 final status conference.
Who’s saying what
- Prosecutors
- District Attorney Nathan Hochman says the teen was the key witness in an investigation into Burke's alleged sexual activity with her, and that he acted to protect his music career.
- Defense
- Burke's attorneys have maintained his innocence.
Still unverified
Prosecutors presented evidence at the preliminary hearing alleging the teenager was killed and dismembered before her remains were placed in bags in the vehicle; the district attorney's office had not announced whether it will seek the death penalty.