LOS ANGELES — Charges Filed Against D4vd

Alternative pop singer D4vd has been charged in connection with the tragic discovery of the decomposed body of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Authorities believe her body was found in a Tesla that had been abandoned for about seven months. Allegations suggest that she was sexually abused, murdered, and mutilated.

The charges came on Monday, but the unsettling claims date back to 2023. This was merely a year after D4vd, whose real name is David Burke, gained traction when his first single made it to the Billboard Hot 100. During his arraignment, his attorney entered a not guilty plea on his behalf.

Here’s a brief overview of the timeline surrounding the investigation and D4vd’s rise in the music scene.

2022: Burke’s Musical Journey Begins

Burke initially began creating music to accompany his video game montages on social media. His song “Romantic Homicide” went viral on TikTok and reached number four on Billboard’s Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart, leading to a record deal with Darkroom Records and Interscope Records.

September 7, 2023: Allegations of Ongoing Abuse

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office reported that Burke allegedly began to sexually abuse Rivas-Hernandez when she had just turned 13. Authorities noted that she was considered a fugitive and indicated she lived with Burke in Los Angeles.

April 5, 2024: Missing Report Filed

Rivas-Hernandez’s family last reported her missing from her home in Lake Elsinore, located around 70 miles southeast of Los Angeles. Unfortunately, this was not the first time her family had expressed concern about her whereabouts.

April 11, 2025: Burke’s Coachella Performance

Burke made headlines at Coachella, not just for his music but also for a mishap on stage during a backflip attempt. In an interview at the festival, he spoke about how he collaborates with fans to shape his performances.

April 23, 2025: Rivas Hernandez Last Seen

Burke is accused of killing Rivas-Hernandez on or around April 23, the last day she was heard from. Prosecutors believe Burke saw her as a threat to his burgeoning career.

April 25, 2025: Release of Debut Album “Wizard”

Burke launched his first album titled “Wizard.” He shared insights about his creative process, mentioning an alter-ego he called “IT4MI,” inspired by the Japanese word for pain, “Itami.” His music videos often include dark themes and imagery.

May 5, 2025: Details of Mutilation Surface

Authorities revealed that one of the charges against Burke included “unlawful mutilation of a corpse,” indicating that Rivas-Hernandez’s limbs were severed around May 5.

August 5, 2025: Tour Kicks Off

Burke’s tour for “Wizard” started with a performance in Del Mar, California. He also released a collaboration with Epic Games for Fortnite shortly thereafter.

September 8, 2025: Discovery of Rivas Hernandez’s Body

On what would have been Rivas-Hernandez’s 15th birthday, her body was discovered. Authorities found it severely decomposed inside a body bag in the trunk of a Tesla linked to Burke. The car had been abandoned after being towed from a Hollywood Hills area.

September 19, 2025: Tour Cancellation

All remaining dates of Burke’s tour were canceled, including his final scheduled performance in Warsaw, Poland. Reports have indicated that he was also removed from his record label.

October 6, 2025: Funeral Held

News outlets shared that Rivas-Hernandez’s family conducted her funeral in Rowland Heights, California.

November 24, 2025: Coroner’s Report Blocked

In an unexpected decision, police blocked the release of the coroner’s report regarding Rivas-Hernandez’s death, claiming confidentiality under a court order initiated by the LAPD.

February 2026: Grand Jury Investigation Revealed

Information surfaced about a secret grand jury investigation related to Burke. Some documents hinted that he was a target in an inquiry involving serious criminal offenses.

April 16, 2026: Arrest of Burke

Burke was arrested on suspicion of murder connected to Rivas Hernandez’s death. The LAPD shared images of the arrest on social media.

April 20, 2025: Formal Charges Issued

Burke now faces formal charges including murder, lewd acts against a minor, and mutilation of a corpse. The indictment also highlights factors that could lead to stricter penalties if he is found guilty.

Ultimately, the district attorney’s office noted that Burke allegedly took drastic actions when Rivas-Hernandez threatened to expose him, putting his career at risk.