The music industry and the public remain in shock as legal proceedings unfold against alt-pop singer d4vd, who has entered a plea of not guilty to all charges related to the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The formal plea, entered on Monday, April 20, 2026, followed the 21-year-old artist’s arrest without bail on April 16.
Background and Allegations
Born David Burke, the Houston-based singer saw his career trajectory halted following the discovery of Rivas Hernandez’s remains on September 8, 2025, inside an abandoned vehicle registered in his name. At the time of the discovery, Burke was actively touring; while he performed on the night the vehicle was found, subsequent tour dates were canceled, and he was promptly dropped by his label, Interscope, as his public image was systematically removed from industry campaigns.
Prosecutors allege that Rivas Hernandez, a child runaway reported missing in April 2024, was subjected to grooming and sexual abuse by Burke for approximately one year. According to the criminal complaint, the victim was murdered around April 23, 2025, at Burke’s residence in the Hollywood Hills—a timeline that places the incident shortly after his debut performance at Coachella.
Legal Charges and Potential Penalties
Burke faces severe legal consequences, including charges of first-degree murder with special circumstances. These charges, brought by the Los Angeles District Attorney, include allegations of lewd acts with a minor and the dismemberment of the victim’s body. Because the prosecution has cited special circumstances—specifically alleging that the murder was committed to protect his career and involved the killing of a witness—Burke could potentially face the death penalty if convicted.
“Evidence will be the witness testimony, the documents, and different types of admissible testimony, in the prosecution and if it leads to the eventual trial, of Mr. Burke, to convince a jury of 12 people, beyond a reasonable doubt, that each and every one of these charges is true,” District Attorney Nathan Hochman stated during a press conference.
Defense Strategy
Burke has retained a high-profile legal team consisting of Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski, and Regina Peter. The defense has maintained a firm stance on his innocence, issuing a statement asserting that the evidence will prove Burke did not cause the death of Rivas Hernandez. They have emphasized that no grand jury indictment has been returned and that they intend to mount a vigorous defense against the accused charges.
As the investigation continues, authorities have defended the seven-month gap between the discovery of the remains and the arrest, citing the necessity of a meticulous, evidence-based investigation to ensure justice is served.
