Los Angeles: Musician David Burke, known professionally as D4vd, has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and multiple related charges in the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose dismembered remains were found inside a Tesla registered to him, according to prosecutors.
The plea was entered on Monday through his attorneys at Los Angeles Superior Court. D4vd remains in custody without bail after Judge Theresa McGonigle denied release.
Prosecutors allege the singer faces charges including murder with special circumstances such as lying in wait, financial gain, and killing a witness in an investigation. He also faces charges of continuous sexual abuse of a minor, lewd acts with a child under 14, and mutilation of a body. If convicted, he could receive life imprisonment without parole, with authorities also considering whether to pursue the death penalty.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said the case involves a “brutal and horrific” killing, adding that investigators believe Celeste went missing after visiting D4vd’s Hollywood Hills residence in April 2025 and was never seen again.
Her remains were discovered in September 2025 in the front trunk of a Tesla linked to the musician. Prosecutors say the vehicle had been parked for weeks before being towed to an impound lot, where staff reported a strong odor. The remains were reportedly found in two bags.
Defense attorney Blair Berk rejected the allegations, stating the evidence would show that D4vd did not commit the murder or cause the victim’s death. The defense has requested an expedited preliminary hearing to review the prosecution’s evidence.
D4vd rose to fame after gaining popularity on TikTok in 2022 with viral tracks including Romantic Homicide and later performed at Coachella in 2025. The investigation remains ongoing, with the official cause of death yet to be publicly released pending a coroner’s report.