Rising alt-pop singer D4vd, whose legal name is David Burke, is facing murder and mutilation charges following the discovery of a teenager’s dismembered body in his abandoned vehicle.

Grim Charges Filed Against D4vd

Prosecutors from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office have accused the 21-year-old singer of first-degree murder, engaging in lewd and lascivious acts with a minor, and mutilation of a human corpse. The charges stem from the death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, who was 13 when she was reported missing from Lake Elsinore in 2024.

Discovery of Remains

The victim’s remains were discovered months later inside a 2023 Tesla Model Y registered to Burke. The vehicle had been abandoned in the Hollywood Hills and was towed to an impound facility. Investigators found the remains stored in bags exhibiting severe decomposition and dismemberment.

Horrific Details Revealed

Court documents reveal that medical examiners determined the victim’s limbs had been severed from her torso. The autopsy results are sealed by a court order, but the physical evidence remains central to the prosecution’s case.

Investigation and Legal Defense

A secret grand jury investigation had been underway for months, becoming public after Burke’s family attempted to contest subpoenas in Texas. Burke’s legal representatives have vehemently denied the charges, asserting his innocence and promising a strong defense. They claim evidence will prove he was not involved in Rivas Hernandez’s death.

Impact on Career and Tour

The allegations have had a devastating impact on the singer’s career. D4vd, known for his viral TikTok success and songs like “Romantic Homicide,” had been gaining prominence in the indie-pop scene. He has canceled his remaining North American and European tour dates.

Special Circumstances and Potential Penalties

The case includes special circumstance allegations – lying in wait, financial motive, and murder of a potential witness – which could make the death penalty a possibility, though the District Attorney has not yet announced a decision on pursuing it.