"US Singer d4vd Indicted for Allegedly Killing 14-Year-Old Girl to Silence Her About Their Relationship"

Victim's Body Discovered in Tesla

Accused of Sexual Abuse and Murder of a Minor

Court Denies Bail, Faces Maximum Life Sentence

David Burke, an up-and-coming American singer-songwriter known by his stage name d4vd, has been indicted on charges of murdering a 14-year-old girl.

On April 21, Yonhap News, citing sources including AP, reported that the Los Angeles (LA) County District Attorney’s Office has brought Burke to trial on charges of first-degree murder, habitual sexual offenses against a minor, and desecration of a corpse.

David Burke appeared in court that day wearing black clothing and received the trial without making any special remarks, while the defense team pleaded not guilty to all charges. Photo by AP Yonhap News

According to the prosecution, Burke is accused of sexually abusing the victim, Celeste Rivas Hernandez, who was 13 years old at the time, for about one year beginning in September 2023. Prosecutors believe that when the victim indicated her intention to either report the abuse or reveal their relationship, Burke committed the crime to prevent her from doing so.

The indictment also includes special circumstances such as premeditation, crimes for financial gain, and the murder of a witness related to the investigation. Prosecutors allege that the crime took place at Burke’s residence in Hollywood Hills on April 23, 2025, and estimate that the body was mutilated about two weeks later. The victim’s remains were discovered in a Tesla registered under Burke’s name in September of the previous year. At the time, the vehicle had been impounded after being reported abandoned for an extended period, and police responded to a report of a foul odor coming from the car, where they found the significantly decomposed body.

Nathan Hawkman, Los Angeles County District Attorney, described this case as a "brutal and horrific murder." The prosecution has secured physical, forensic, and digital evidence, and it is reported that approximately 40 terabytes of digital data related to this case have been obtained. However, Burke’s side has completely denied the charges. On that day, Burke appeared in court dressed in black and underwent the hearing without making any special remarks, while the defense team pleaded not guilty to all charges. The defense stated that future evidence would show that Burke did not kill the victim and that he was not connected to the cause of death.

Nathan Hawkman, Los Angeles County District Attorney, described this case as a "brutal and horrific murder." The prosecution has secured physical, forensic, and digital evidence, and it is reported that approximately 40 terabytes of digital data related to this case have been obtained. AP Yonhap News

The court did not grant bail for Burke. If convicted in this case, Burke could face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, and whether prosecutors will seek the death penalty will be determined at a later date.

Meanwhile, Burke is a rising American singer-songwriter widely known by his stage name, d4vd. He first gained attention by creating music for gaming videos and expanded his mainstream recognition with his hit song "Romantic Homicide." He has since released studio albums, performed at major music festivals, and gone on tour, gaining popularity especially among Generation Z fans.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.