BREAKING NEWSSinger D4vd Charged With Murder, Sexual Relations With Child Under 14 and Mutilating a Body as Death Penalty Remains on Table in Horrific Case
'Romantic Homicide' singer D4vd has been charged with the murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
April 20 2026, Published 2:26 p.m. ET
Singer D4vd could face the death penalty after being charged with the murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
The "Romantic Homicide" singer was officially charged with the teenager's killing on Monday, April 20, and additionally hit with a count of first degree murder with special circumstances, making him eligible for the death penalty.
D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, also faces charges of lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14 and mutilating a body.
D4vd Accused of Lying in Wait Before Murdering 14-Year-Old Girl
The LAPD said there's evidence that D4vd had sexual relations with the minor before murdering her.
According to Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman, Hernandez was last seen at Burke's home before her decomposing and mutilated body was found stuffed in 2 bags inside of a Tesla registered to the singer.
Hochman claimed Burke was lying in wait on April 23, 2025, a legal term used to describe when a suspect hides and watches for an intended victim before committing a surprise attack. He also said the accused killer was charged with another special circumstance of murder for financial gain.
'He Invited Her Over to Kill Her'
D4vd could face the death penalty.
The district attorney alleged the financial gain involved Hernandez being a "witness" to something, presumably their sexual relationship, causing the "Here With Me" singer to fear she'd expose their immoral romance and hurt his career, per TMZ.
While Hochman didn't elaborate on specific details, the news outlet noted the D.A. "seems to be suggesting Celeste threatened to go to police regarding their sexual relationship, so he invited her over to kill her ... thus, the lying in wait."
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LAPD Reveals There Is Evidence D4vd Had Sexual Relations With Murdered Teenager
Celeste Rivas Hernandez's mutilated dead body was found decomposing in D4vd's Tesla.
Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell admitted there is evidence Burke and Hernandez had a sexual relationship, as well as digital and forensic evidence linking him to her murder.
The D.A.'s office did not confirm the Medical Examiner's cause of death but said he would request Hernandez's autopsy report be made public.
D4vd's Lawyers Vow to 'Vigorously Defend' His 'Innocence'
D4vd's lawyers insist he's innocent.
During Mark Geragos’ appearance on TMZ’s "2 Angry Men" podcast, the high-profile criminal defense attorney claimed the LAPD grew tired of waiting for the D.A. to formally file criminal charges before arresting D4vd on Thursday, April 16.
After his arrest, lawyers for the singer declared, "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," attorneys Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski and Regina Peter continued, vowing to "vigorously defend David’s innocence."
