Overview
- The Los Angeles County medical examiner said Wednesday the 14-year-old died from multiple penetrating injuries caused by objects and ruled the death a homicide.
- David Burke, 21, who performs as D4vd, was indicted Monday on first-degree murder and related counts and pleaded not guilty as his lawyers vowed to fight the case.
- The filing also alleges sexual acts with a child under 14 and mutilation of human remains, and it cites aggravating factors including lying in wait, financial motive, and killing a witness.
- Investigators say Celeste Rivas Hernandez was last seen at Burke’s home in April 2025, and on September 8, 2025 her dismembered remains were found in a Tesla registered to him at a Hollywood towing yard.
- The victim’s parents issued a public statement thanking LAPD and prosecutors and calling for justice, and Burke could face life without parole or possibly death if convicted.