On Thursday, April 16th, 2026, David Anthony Burke, otherwise known as ‘D4vd’ was arrested for the senseless murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Her murder has gripped the attention of millions since September of 2025, when her decomposed and dismembered remains were found in the front trunk of David’s Tesla, which had been parked in the Hollywood Hills. Additional details regarding this discovery, Celeste’s involvement with David, and more can be found HERE.
On April 20th, 2026, the District Attorney’s Office of LA County, alongside LAPD’s Robbery and Homicide Division, announced the charges against David.
These charges include:
- 1st Degree Murder with Special Circumstances
- Continuous Acts of Sexual Abuse (Leud and Lascivious Sexual Acts) of a Child Under 14
- Unlawful Mutilation of Human Remains
The special circumstances related to the 1st degree murder charge include:
- Lying in wait: On April 23, 2025, Celeste was lured to David’s home and was never seen again.
- Murder of a witness in an investigation: Celeste was a witness in an investigation into David for lewd and lascivious sexual acts of a child under 14.
- Murder for financial gain: They say evidence will show that David killed Celeste to “maintain his lucrative musical career,” which was being threatened by her desire to come forward.
Per the criminal complaint released by LA County’s District Attorney’s Office, “Celeste was just a child, under 14 years old, when David Burke allegedly engaged in repeated lewd and lascivious sexual relations with her,” District Attorney Hochman said. “But Burke’s actions did not allegedly stop there. When she threatened to expose his criminal conduct and devastate his musical career, Burke allegedly murdered her, cut up her body and stuffed her body in two bags that were placed in the front trunk of his car. There the dismembered body sat for over four months decomposing until it was found at a tow yard on Sept. 8, 2025. This horrific and gruesome murder committed by the charged sexual predator is shocking and appalling. To Celeste’s loved ones, we will get the justice you seek and deserve.” More HERE.
These charges carry with them a sentence of life in prison without parole or the death penalty, which will be determined at a later date. Deputy DA Beth Silverman of the Major Crimes Division will be the lead prosecutor on the case.
Chief McDonnell addressed in the press conference that their department has faced criticism for their decision not to speak publicly about the details of the case; however, he assured the public that their decision to do so was in the name of getting justice for Celeste. Chief McDonell shared that they sifted through a lot of misinformation, but through recovering a substantial amount of physical, digital, and forensic evidence, they are confident that David will be found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
On April 22nd, Celestes’ manner and cause of death were released. Her manner of death was ruled a homicide and the cause of death was due to “multiple penetrating injuries.” She suffered “two penetrating injuries to her right abdomen and left chest as well as dismemberment in multiple areas.” Based on the toxicology, it states she had alcohol in her system and she tested presumptive positive for benzodiazepines and methamphetamine/MDMA in her system. Additional testing is needed to confirm.
David’s attorney pleaded NOT GUILTY on his behalf in court on the 20th.
Last updated on April 22, 3:29pm
Written by Mile Higher Media
