D4vd's Murder Charge: A Detailed Timeline of the Singer's Arrest in a Teen Girl's Killing
Alt-pop singer D4vd, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, has been formally charged with the sexual abuse, murder, and mutilation of a 14-year-old girl. The decomposed remains of Celeste Rivas Hernandez were discovered in his seemingly abandoned Tesla seven months prior. Los Angeles County prosecutors announced these grave charges on Monday against the 21-year-old artist, marking a shocking fall from grace for a musician who recently saw chart success.
While the charges were filed this week, the disturbing allegations trace back to 2023. Mr Burke's defence attorney entered a plea of not guilty on his behalf during an arraignment on Monday afternoon. This development starkly contrasts with his musical achievements, coming just a year after his debut single climbed the Billboard Hot 100.
The Timeline of Events: From Viral Fame to Murder Charges
2022: Burke's Music Goes Viral
David Burke, initially a content creator who began producing his own music to accompany video game montages posted online, achieves viral fame on TikTok with his song “Romantic Homicide.” The track peaks at No. 4 on Billboard's Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart, leading to a record deal with Darkroom and Interscope Records.
September 7, 2023: Prosecutors Allege Abuse Begins
According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office, Burke allegedly begins the continuous sexual abuse of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, who had just turned 13. Authorities describe the girl as a runaway, with court documents indicating she lived with Burke in Los Angeles.
April 5, 2024: Rivas Hernandez Reported Missing
Rivas Hernandez's family reports the seventh grader missing from her home in Lake Elsinore, approximately 70 miles southeast of Los Angeles. This was the last time they reported her disappearance, though they had done so several times before.
April 11, 2025: Burke's Coachella Debut
Burke performs at the Coachella music festival, gaining attention for face-planting during a failed backflip attempt. In an interview with The Associated Press, he discussed using social media feedback from fans to refine his set lists, stating, “I am my fans and my fans are me. And we work in tandem with each other and it's such a beautiful poetic kind of thing that we have.”
April 23, 2025: Last Known Sighting of Rivas Hernandez
Charging documents allege Burke killed Rivas Hernandez “on or about” April 23, the day she was last heard from. Prosecutors claim he committed the murder because she posed a threat to his burgeoning career.
April 25, 2025: Burke Releases Debut Album
Burke releases his first album, “Withered.” In interviews, he describes an alter ego character called “IT4MI,” derived from the Japanese word for pain, “itami.” He explained in a YouTube interview, “He's basically like the evil version of me.” His videos sometimes depict this character blindfolded in a shirt that appears blood-stained.
May 5, 2025: Authorities Allege Mutilation
One felony charge against Burke is “unlawful mutilation of human remains.” Prosecutors state Rivas Hernandez's arms and legs were severed from her body on or around this date.
August 5, 2025: Burke Launches Tour
Burke's tour for “Withered” begins in Del Mar, California. He also releases an official Fortnite anthem, “Locked & Loaded,” on September 3, echoing his origins in creating Fortnite montages.
September 8, 2025: Body Discovered
One day after she would have turned 15, Rivas Hernandez's badly decomposed remains are found in body bags inside the trunk of a Tesla registered to Burke. The 2023 Tesla Model Y had been towed from an upscale Hollywood Hills neighborhood where it appeared abandoned. Police discovered a cadaver bag covered in bugs containing her head and torso, with a second bag holding her arms and legs underneath.
September 19, 2025: Tour Dates Canceled
The remaining dates of Burke's tour, scheduled to end in Warsaw, Poland, are canceled. The Associated Press confirms D4vd was dropped by his label, Interscope Records, at some point in 2025.
October 6, 2025: Funeral Service Held
Multiple news outlets report that Rivas Hernandez's family holds a funeral service at the Queen of Heaven Cemetery and Mortuary in Rowland Heights, California.
November 24, 2025: Coroner's Report Blocked
In an unusual move, police block the release of the coroner's report on Rivas Hernandez's death. The medical examiner's office cites a court order initiated by the LAPD, placing a security hold on the case, preventing any details from being released.
February 2026: Grand Jury Probe Revealed
Burke is revealed as the target of a secret grand jury investigation. Court filings from an appeal by his family in Texas indicate the Tesla was registered in his name at their address, with the target potentially involved in one count of murder.
April 16, 2026: Burke Arrested
Burke is arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with Rivas Hernandez's death and held without bail. The LAPD announces the arrest on social media, posting photos of officers in tactical gear approaching a home.
April 20, 2026: Formal Charges Filed
Burke is formally charged with murder, lewd and lascivious acts with a person under 14, and mutilating a body. The charging documents allege aggravating factors, including that Burke was “lying in wait,” that Rivas Hernandez was a witness to crimes against her, and that he killed her for financial gain. The District Attorney's office stated, “When she threatened to expose his criminal conduct and devastate his musical career, Burke allegedly murdered her.”
