LOS ANGELES – Pop singer D4vd has been formally charged with the first-degree murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas, with Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announcing Monday that the 21-year-old musician – whose real name is David Burke – had sex with the teen, then lay in wait before killing her and dismembering her body. The charges include special circumstances that make him eligible for the death penalty.
D4vd was arrested Thursday at his Hollywood Hills home and is being held without bail. The charges come more than seven months after Rivas’ dismembered body was discovered in the trunk of a Tesla linked to the singer.
“We came to the home with a probable cause arrest warrant for him,” LAPD Robbery-Homicide Division commanding officer Capt. Scot M. Williams confirmed.
The DA’s office announced that D4vd is charged with:
- First-degree murder with special circumstances – including lying in wait, murder of a witness to an investigation, and murder for financial gain
- Lewd and lascivious sexual acts with an individual under 14 years old
- Mutilating human remains
The special circumstance of “murder of a witness to an investigation” stems from the fact that Rivas was a witness in the lewd-and-lascivious investigation. The “murder for financial gain” circumstance was added because prosecutors believe D4vd thought allegations of sexual relations with a minor could derail his music career.
“There is digital, physical and forensic evidence,” Hochman said during a press conference Monday, urging other witnesses to come forward.
The Gruesome Discovery: A Tesla, a Foul Odor, and Dismembered Remains
Rivas’ dismembered body was discovered in September 2025 in the back of a Tesla belonging to D4vd. The vehicle had been impounded, and employees at a tow yard smelled a foul odor coming from it.
According to documents unsealed in a Texas court:
| Discovery Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Trunk of D4vd’s abandoned Tesla |
| Condition | Dismembered body parts in two cadaver bags |
| Bags | Head and torso in one bag; several body parts in second bag |
| Additional details | Insects swarming over the remains |
| Missing person report | Rivas had been reported missing by her family in April 2025 |
Rivas was just 14 years old at the time of her disappearance.
The Alleged Motive: Fear of a Derailed Music Career
The “financial gain” special circumstance is unusual. Prosecutors allege that D4vd believed that if his sexual relationship with a minor became public, his burgeoning music career would be destroyed. He had already gained significant fame through TikTok and streaming platforms, with millions of followers.
“They believe D4vd thought allegations of sexual relations with a minor could derail his music career,” a source familiar with the investigation told The Post.
The “lying in wait” allegation suggests that the murder was premeditated and that D4vd concealed his intent before attacking Rivas. This is a special circumstance that, if proven, makes him eligible for the death penalty.
The Sexual Assault Allegations: Lewd Acts With a Minor
The charge of lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14 is a felony in California, punishable by up to life in prison. The specific allegation is that D4vd had sex with Rivas, who was 14 at the time.
California’s statutory rape laws prohibit sexual intercourse with a person under 18, with enhanced penalties for victims under 16. The age difference between D4vd (21) and Rivas (14) is seven years, which could also trigger additional enhancements.
The Investigation: From Grand Jury to Arrest
A grand jury investigation into the case began in February 2026, with D4vd named as a target. The LAPD’s Robbery-Homicide Division worked diligently to build an “airtight” case.
“There was a lot of outside pressure for [investigators] to act quickly,” Captain Williams told The Post earlier. “They were able to put that aside and do the tedious, meticulous work that was needed to ensure we had an airtight case once it came time for an arrest.”
The evidence includes:
- DNA evidence from the crime scene and the Tesla
- Digital evidence – phone records, social media, and location data
- Witness testimony – the DA has not disclosed how many witnesses
- Forensic evidence – including the condition of the remains
D4vd’s Legal Team: ‘We Will Vigorously Defend His Innocence’
Following the arrest, D4vd’s high-profile attorneys – Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski, and Regina Peter – issued a joint statement:
“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.”
Berk was spotted outside D4vd’s Hollywood Hills home on the day of the arrest, as the singer sat in jail.
Who Is D4vd?
David Burke, known professionally as D4vd (pronounced “David”), is a 21-year-old singer and songwriter who gained popularity on TikTok and streaming platforms. He was born in New York and later moved to Los Angeles.
His music career took off in 2022, and he has since amassed millions of streams. Following the discovery of Rivas’ body in his Tesla, D4vd canceled his remaining tour dates and went silent as online speculation grew.
He has not spoken publicly since the arrest.
Legal Consequences: Death Penalty or Life in Prison
If convicted of first-degree murder with special circumstances, D4vd faces either life in prison without the possibility of parole or the death penalty. The DA’s office has not yet announced whether it will seek capital punishment.
The special circumstances alleged are:
| Special Circumstance | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Lying in wait | The murder was premeditated and the defendant concealed his intent |
| Murder of a witness to an investigation | Rivas was a witness in the lewd-and-lascivious case |
| Murder for financial gain | D4vd allegedly killed to protect his music career |
The lewd acts charge carries a maximum sentence of life in prison. The mutilation charge is an enhancement that can add additional years.
California has not executed anyone since 2006, and there is a moratorium on executions ordered by Governor Gavin Newsom. However, the death penalty remains on the books, and prosecutors can still seek it.
What Happens Next
- Arraignment: D4vd is expected to be arraigned within the week. He will enter a plea.
- Preliminary hearing: A judge will determine whether there is enough evidence to proceed to trial.
- Trial: If the case proceeds, a trial could take months or even years.
- Potential death penalty decision: The DA’s office will decide whether to seek capital punishment.
FAQ: D4vd Murder Case
Q: What is D4vd accused of?
A: First-degree murder with special circumstances (lying in wait, murder of a witness, murder for financial gain), lewd acts with a child under 14, and mutilating human remains.
Q: Who was the victim?
A: Celeste Rivas, a 14-year-old girl who was reported missing in April 2025. Her dismembered body was found in the trunk of D4vd’s Tesla in September 2025.
Q: What is the evidence?
A: DNA, digital records, forensic evidence, and witness testimony.
Q: Could he face the death penalty?
A: Yes. The special circumstances alleged make him eligible for capital punishment.
Q: What did his lawyers say?
A: They said the evidence will show he did not murder Rivas and that he is innocent.
Q: Where can I find updates?
A: Follow the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office and major news outlets.
