Singer D4vd, whose real name is David Burke, has pleaded not guilty to a murder charge in the death of a 14-year-old girl named Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The girl's dismembered and decomposed body was found in Burke's abandoned Tesla.
Burke, 21, was charged with first-degree murder, lewd and lascivious acts with a person under 14, and mutilating a body. He appeared in court behind glass and was held without bail.
The authorities alleged that Burke killed Rivas Hernandez to protect his career after she threatened to report their sexual relationship. The singer had released his debut album, 'Withered', just two days after Rivas Hernandez was last known to be alive.
Rivas Hernandez was reported missing by her family in 2024, when she was 13. According to allegations, Burke engaged in continuous sexual abuse of her for at least a year from September 2023 to September 2024.
The murder charges include special circumstances that could carry the death penalty. Prosecutors haven't announced whether they will seek it.
Burke's defense lawyer, Blair Berk, said that they would like to have a public preliminary hearing to take place as soon as possible so a judge can decide whether there is enough evidence for trial.
