The Case Against D4vd

During his arraignment on Monday. The 21-year-old musician did not speak. With his attorneys entering the plea on his behalf. His legal team stated that the “actual evidence will show that David did not kill Celeste” and was not the cause of her death, echoing remarks they made after his arrest last week.

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman outlined the charges during a press conference, stating that Rivas Hernandez went to Burke’s house in the Hollywood Hills on 23 April 2025 and was “never heard from again.” Her dismembered and decomposed remains were discovered on 8 September 2025 in the front trunk of a Tesla registered to Burke.

Charges and Allegations

Hochman announced three charges against the singer: first-degree murder with special circumstances of “lying in wait,” an additional special circumstance of alleged murder for “financial gain,” and murder of a witness to an investigation. He accused Burke of killing the 14-year-old to maintain his lucrative musical career, which Celeste was allegedly threatening on that particular night.

The DA also mentioned that Rivas Hernandez was a witness in an investigation of sexual acts committed by Burke. Hochman added that the charges involve numerous sexual acts with a minor and the mutilation of a body, with the DA’s office potentially seeking the death penalty in the case.

Police and Investigative Process

Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell addressed criticism of how police have handled the case and their decision not to provide details since the body was discovered in a Hollywood tow yard seven months ago. He stated that his duty is to deliver justice, not to fuel speculation, and that the investigation was driven by a single purpose: securing justice for Celeste Rivas and those who loved her.

McDonnell noted that the conditions of the teen’s remains delayed determining a cause of death, as the “substantial amount of time that passed between her death and the discovery” caused evidence to degrade or disappear. Hochman acknowledged the difficulties in the case, including the need to interview multiple people and examine all the evidence, and urged anyone with information to come forward.

D4vd had remained in custody without bail after his arrest on Thursday. The BBC contacted his attorneys for comment, but no statement was received. The singer is from Houston, Texas, and is best known for moody, indie-pop hits like Here With Me and Romantic Homicide.

On 8 September 2025, investigators found the decomposed head and torso of the 14-year-old girl in a cadaver bag in the Tesla, court documents said. When authorities removed the bag, they discovered severed arms and legs in a black bag, the documents said. D4vd was on tour when the remains were discovered and subsequently cancelled his world tour, retreating from the spotlight shortly after.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office on Monday told the BBC it “cannot comment on grand jury investigations.” With BBC Los Angeles correspondent Shaimaa Khalil.