Singer D4vd charged with murder of 14-year-old girl found in his Tesla
The arrest comes more than eight months after Celeste Rivas Hernandez was reported missing and her remains were later discovered in the trunk of the musician's car.
At a glance
What matters most
- D4vd, whose real name is David Burke, was charged with first-degree murder in the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
- Her remains were found in the trunk of his Tesla in Los Angeles in September 2025, more than eight months after she was reported missing.
- Prosecutors say Celeste had been a witness in an earlier investigation into D4vd for alleged sexual acts with a minor under 14.
- The case has sparked outrage and renewed scrutiny over how the music industry handles allegations involving young fans.
Across the spectrum
What people are saying
A quick look at how the same story is being framed from different angles.
On the Left
This case underscores systemic failures in protecting minors, especially when powerful figures in entertainment face allegations but face little accountability. The fact that Celeste was already part of a prior investigation and still ended up harmed suggests law enforcement and industry leaders didn't act urgently enough. It's a tragic example of how fame can shield people from consequences until it's too late.
In the Center
The charges against D4vd are serious and must be handled with due process. While the details are disturbing, it's important that the justice system follows the evidence without rushing to judgment. At the same time, the timeline raises legitimate questions about how earlier reports were handled and whether more could have been done to protect the victim.
On the Right
This case highlights the dangers of unchecked celebrity culture and the need for personal responsibility. While the legal process must play out, it's also a reminder that parents and communities need to be more vigilant about who their children interact with online. The justice system should hold anyone guilty to the fullest extent of the law, regardless of their fame.
Full coverage
What you should know
Rising music artist D4vd has been formally charged with first-degree murder in the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose remains were discovered in the trunk of his Tesla in Los Angeles last September. The arrest, confirmed by the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office on Monday, marks a grim turn in a case that had gone cold for months after the teenager was reported missing.
Celeste Rivas Hernandez was last seen in late 2024. Her dismembered and decomposing body was found in the abandoned vehicle parked near a residential neighborhood in South LA. Authorities did not release many details about the cause of death, citing the ongoing investigation, but confirmed the case involved evidence of foul play.
What's deepened the public shock is the revelation that Celeste had previously been interviewed as a witness in a separate investigation into D4vd. According to District Attorney Nathan Hochman, that probe focused on alleged sexual acts between the singer and a person under the age of 14. The connection has raised questions about whether earlier red flags were missed.
D4vd, whose real name is David Burke, rose to fame in the early 2020s with dreamy, synth-driven tracks that gained millions of streams on platforms like TikTok and Spotify. His music often appealed to younger audiences, and he had recently been touring and releasing new material before his arrest last week.
The charges have sent shockwaves through the music industry, where some are calling for better safeguards for young fans interacting with artists. Advocacy groups say cases like this highlight how digital fame can blur boundaries and create dangerous access to minors.
Hochman emphasized at Monday's press conference that the investigation is still active and urged anyone with information to come forward. D4vd is expected to appear in court later this week, where a plea will be entered and bail considerations will be discussed.
As the legal process moves forward, the case has become a painful reminder of how quickly online fame can intersect with real-world tragedy-especially when the most vulnerable are involved.
About this author
Zwely News Staff compiles multi-source reporting into concise, viewpoint-aware coverage for readers who want context without noise.
Source Notes
Singer D4vd charged with murder of 14-year-old girl found in car
Musician has been charged after the dismembered and decomposing body of Celeste Rivas Hernandez was found in abandoned TeslaSinger D4vd has been charged with murder in the death of a 14-year-old girl whose dismembered and decomposed body wa...
Singer D4vd to be charged with murder in death of teen girl found in trunk of his car
Singer D4vd will be formally charged Monday in the death of a 14-year-old girl whose remains were found in the trunk of his Tesla in Los Angeles in September, more than a year after she was reported missing.
D4vd Charged With First-Degree Murder of Celeste Rivas Hernandez
The Los Angeles County district attorney revealed that before her death, Rivas was a witness in an investigation into the singer for sexual acts with a person under 14
D4vd Charged With Murder in Death of Teen Girl Celeste Rivas
D4vd has been charged with murder following his arrest last Thursday for the death of a teen girl whose decomposed body was found in the trunk of his Tesla. At a press conference on Monday, District Attorney Nathan Hochman said that the sin...
Padres vs. Angels prediction: MLB pick, odds, best bet Sunday
Michael King will help lead the visiting Padres past the Angels on Sunday, Stitches predicts.
Kings vs. Avalanche Game 1 predictions: NHL odds, best bets, picks for Stanley Cup Playoffs
The Avalanche have been waiting for the playoffs to start since October.
Previous story
Palantir stirs debate with call to bring back the military draft
Next story
