US musician D4vd has entered a not guilty plea to first-degree murder charges in connection with the death of a missing 14-year-old girl, whose remains were discovered last year.
David Anthony Burke, the 21-year-old singer known professionally as D4vd, appeared in a Los Angeles courtroom on Monday where his legal team submitted the plea on his behalf. He faces allegations of murdering Celeste Rivas Hernandez, who vanished after visiting his Hollywood Hills residence in April 2025.
"A parent's nightmare is a situation where your daughter goes out one night and never comes back," said Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman during a press conference.
The prosecution outlined three distinct charges against the rising music star. These include murder with special circumstances of "lying in wait," murder for financial gain, and murder of a witness to an investigation. Authorities allege Burke killed the teenager to protect his burgeoning music career, which they claim she threatened on the night of her disappearance.
Hernandez's dismembered remains were found in September 2025 inside the front trunk of a Tesla registered to Burke's Texas address. The discovery occurred at a Hollywood tow yard, launching an investigation that remained largely confidential until recent developments.
Los Angeles Police Department Chief Jim McDonnell addressed criticism about the seven-month delay in making an arrest, stating, "My duty is not to fuel speculation. It's to deliver justice, and that requires patience and discipline on everybody's part."
The condition of the remains complicated the investigation, with McDonnell noting that "evidence had degraded or disappeared" due to the substantial time elapsed between the death and discovery.
Burke's defense team maintains his innocence, asserting in court that "the actual evidence will show that David did not kill Celeste" and was not responsible for her death. The musician remains in custody without bail following his arrest last week.
Known for moody indie-pop hits like "Romantic Homicide" and "Here With Me," Burke rose to fame through gaming videos before teaching himself music production. His debut album released in April 2025 garnered significant streaming success, with 22 million monthly listeners on Spotify prior to the allegations.
The case continues to unfold as authorities consider whether to seek the death penalty, while the coroner's report on Hernandez's death remains sealed from public release.