D4vd Charged with First-Degree Murder in Celeste Rivas Hernandez Case: A Detailed Timeline of Events

D4vd, a 21-year-old pop singer known for his 2022 hit “Romantic Homicide,” is facing first-degree murder charges in connection with the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Prosecutors allege that D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, was involved in an illegal sexual relationship with Rivas and murdered her after she threatened to expose his actions, potentially jeopardizing his music career.

Allegations and Discovery of the Body

The Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office claims that the murder occurred on April 23, 2025, just two days before the release of D4vd’s debut album, Withered, which debuted at No. 13 on the Billboard 200. Months later, authorities discovered Rivas’ dismembered body in a Tesla registered to D4vd.

On September 8, 2025, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) responded to reports of a foul odor emanating from a vehicle in a Hollywood tow lot. Upon inspection, officers found two black bags containing a severed head, torso, and limbs. By September 17, the remains were identified as belonging to Rivas, who had been reported missing from Lake Elsinore, California, at the age of 13 in 2024.

Investigation and Arrest

In the months following the discovery, reports began to surface linking D4vd to the investigation. On November 26, 2025, the Los Angeles Times reported that the district attorney had empaneled an investigative grand jury to assess the evidence against him. By February 25, 2026, public court documents confirmed that D4vd was officially the target of a murder investigation. His family sought to avoid testifying before the grand jury.

D4vd was arrested on April 16, 2026, though charges had not yet been formally filed. He was held without bail while the LAPD prepared the case for prosecution. Four days later, on April 20, District Attorney Nathan Hochman formally charged him with first-degree murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and mutilating a body. Prosecutors allege that D4vd killed Rivas with a sharp instrument and disposed of her body after she threatened to expose their illegal relationship.

Medical Findings and Court Proceedings

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner released an autopsy report on April 22, 2026, concluding that Rivas died by homicide from two penetrating wounds to the torso. D4vd’s first substantive court hearing occurred on April 23, where prosecutors revealed they had collected over 40 terabytes of digital data from his devices, including significant amounts of child pornography.

During a subsequent hearing on April 29, prosecutors disclosed that D4vd had purchased two chainsaws online, which they claim were used to dismember Rivas’ body. Text messages between D4vd and Rivas from the night of her death indicated that she had threatened to disclose damaging information about their relationship.

Delays and Developments

D4vd’s preliminary hearing was initially scheduled for May 1 but was postponed to May 26 due to the defense’s request for more time to review evidence. Further delays followed, with the hearing pushed from June 29 to July 21, 2026. The judge granted these delays based on sealed declarations from D4vd’s legal team.

On July 21, 2026, the preliminary hearing commenced, where prosecutors presented evidence, including graphic photographs of Rivas’ remains. An LAPD detective testified about the condition of the body parts found in D4vd’s Tesla, noting significant decomposition. District Attorney Hochman expressed confidence in meeting the evidentiary burden required for a trial.

Impact on D4vd’s Career

The legal troubles have had immediate repercussions for D4vd’s career. Following the discovery of Rivas’ body, his headlining Withered tour was abruptly canceled, and a deluxe version of the album was shelved. He was subsequently dropped by Darkroom/Interscope Records and Sony Music Publishing.

D4vd has pleaded not guilty to all charges, with his attorneys asserting that the evidence will demonstrate he did not murder Rivas. The case continues to unfold, with ongoing developments expected as the legal proceedings progress.

For a detailed timeline of D4vd’s legal case, visit www.billboard.com.

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Published on 2026-07-23 04:15:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk