Rising R&B artist David Anthony Burke, known professionally as D4vd, is facing serious criminal charges following the discovery of a missing teenager’s remains in a vehicle linked to him.
In a court filing released Wednesday, prosecutors in Los Angeles County alleged that the 21-year-old musician killed 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez in an attempt to prevent their relationship from becoming public.
The case began in September 2025 when authorities recovered a Tesla Model Y registered to Burke from a Hollywood Hills neighborhood. During a search of the vehicle, investigators found human remains later identified as Hernandez, who had been reported missing months earlier.
Officials say forensic evidence indicates the victim had been deceased for an extended period before the discovery.
According to prosecutors, Burke and Hernandez were involved in an unlawful relationship prior to her disappearance. Investigators allege that he arranged to meet her in April 2025, after which she was killed.
Court documents also claim that digital records show purchases of items that authorities believe were used to conceal the crime. Additional forensic evidence reportedly links the scene to Burke’s residence.
Burke has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including first-degree murder and other related offenses. His legal team, led by attorney Blair Berk, strongly denies the allegations.
In court, Berk described the prosecution’s account as incomplete and argued it could unfairly influence potential jurors. The defense maintains that Burke was not responsible for the teenager’s death.
D4vd rose to prominence in 2022 with his viral hit Romantic Homicide and had recently toured with SZA. His rising career was halted following the investigation, with scheduled performances canceled.
Burke remains in custody without bail. A preliminary hearing set for May 26, 2026, will determine whether the case proceeds to trial. If convicted, he could face life imprisonment without parole or other severe penalties under California law.