American singer D4vid pleads no guilty to murder charge

American musician D4vd has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including first-degree murder, in connection with the death of a teenage girl who disappeared in 2025.

The artist, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, is accused of killing 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Authorities allege that her decomposed remains were discovered in September 2025 inside a Tesla linked to his Texas residence.

Court Appearance and Charges

Burke, 21, entered his plea through his legal team during a court appearance in Los Angeles on Monday, April 20, 2026. He did not address the court directly.

Prosecutors have filed several charges against him, including first-degree murder with special circumstances, murder for financial gain, and the alleged killing of a witness tied to an investigation.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office stated that the charges stem from events on April 23, 2025, when the teenager reportedly visited Burke’s home in the Hollywood Hills and was never seen again.

Discovery of Remains

According to court documents, the girl’s remains were found on September 8, 2025, in the front trunk of a Tesla associated with Burke. Investigators reported that the body had been dismembered, with some parts recovered in a bag inside the vehicle.

Officials noted that the condition of the remains made it difficult to immediately determine the cause of death, citing the time that had elapsed between the alleged incident and the discovery.

Defence Response

Burke’s legal team has strongly denied the allegations, maintaining that evidence will show he was not responsible for the teenager’s death.

“We will vigorously defend David’s innocence,” his attorneys said in a statement, adding that they expect the facts to support their position.

The defence also pushed for an open hearing after months of closed grand jury proceedings, while the court ordered the release of the coroner’s report, which had previously been withheld.

Family and Prosecution Statements

In a statement shared with media outlets, the victim’s family said they are committed to ensuring her voice is heard and her memory honoured throughout the legal process.

Meanwhile, District Attorney Nathan Hochman described the case as a parent’s worst nightmare, outlining allegations that the crime may have been linked to protecting the musician’s career and silencing a potential witness.

Authorities also indicated that additional elements of the case involve alleged sexual offences and the mutilation of a body. Prosecutors have not ruled out pursuing the death penalty.

Ongoing Investigation

Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell defended the pace of the investigation, stating that careful handling of evidence was necessary to avoid jeopardising the case.

He emphasised that delays were partly due to challenges in gathering reliable evidence and interviewing witnesses, some of whom were uncooperative.

Burke remains in custody without bail as the case proceeds. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities urging anyone with relevant information to come forward.

Background

Before his arrest, D4vd had built a fast-rising music career, gaining recognition for tracks such as Here With Me and Romantic Homicide. He first gained attention online through gaming content before transitioning into music, releasing his debut EP Petals To Thorns in 2023 and a full album in April 2025.

He had also toured with SZA before stepping back from the spotlight following the emergence of the case.