Pop star d4vd faces trial in California for murder of teen runaway
The case against American singer d4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, has moved to a critical phase in a Los Angeles courtroom. Prosecutors allege the 21-year-old musician killed and dismembered 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez to silence her about their relationship. A judge will soon decide if there is sufficient evidence for a full trial.
This case has drawn intense scrutiny across the entertainment industry and social media. It raises uncomfortable questions about power dynamics, child protection, and how the music business handles allegations against rising stars. For Southeast Asian audiences, the case also highlights the legal and governance frameworks in California, a jurisdiction often seen as a bellwether for regulatory trends.
Timeline of the case: from first meeting to arrest
According to court documents, d4vd first met Celeste in 2022 when she was 11. By November 2023, when she was 13 and he was 18, the pair began a sexual relationship. That same month, d4vd performed his hit 'Romantic Homicide' on Jimmy Kimmel Live.
In early 2024, Celeste was reported missing three times. She was photographed backstage at d4vd's sold-out show in June 2024, indicating she was still alive almost a year after her first disappearance. A private investigator later found a digital camera in d4vd's rented home containing photos of the pair taken in late December 2024 and early January 2025.
The killing and discovery of the body
Prosecutors believe Celeste was killed on April 23, 2025, after a heated argument in which she threatened to disclose damaging information about their relationship. The next day, d4vd held an album release party ahead of an international tour.
On September 8, 2025, a day after Celeste would have turned 15, her dismembered and decomposing body was found in the front trunk of a Tesla at a police impound yard. The car, registered to d4vd, had been abandoned near his Hollywood Hills residence. The autopsy results were later sealed by a judge.
Legal proceedings and evidence
d4vd was arrested on April 16, 2026, and pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and mutilating human remains. The preliminary hearing, which began on July 21, has featured testimony from more than 10 witnesses, including law enforcement, a coroner, and forensic experts.
Key evidence includes: photos of Celeste's decomposing body; body camera footage of a search of d4vd's home; chainsaws, heavy-duty laundry bags, and a shovel purchased on Amazon; and an unused burn box. A forensic criminalist testified that DNA test results showed a high probability of being from Celeste on items like a garage floor, a Tesla charger, and a rowing machine.
A cellular analyst also testified about records showing three trips d4vd allegedly took to Santa Barbara County, near where Celeste's passport card was found in January 2026. The records also show at least one phone call to Celeste's phone number on the night prosecutors believe she was killed.
What this means for the music industry and governance
This case is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in the entertainment ecosystem. For regulators and investors in Southeast Asia, it underscores the importance of robust child protection laws and corporate governance in the creative industries. The handling of this case by the Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office will be closely watched as a benchmark for how jurisdictions manage high-profile crimes involving minors.
As the preliminary hearing continues, the focus remains on whether the evidence meets the legal threshold for a trial. The outcome will have implications not only for d4vd but also for how the music industry addresses allegations of abuse and exploitation.
'There's been talk that d4vd possibly had something to do with it. Please do the right thing and take her home. Her parents are very worried.' – Anonymous email sent to d4vd's record label in early 2024.
The case continues to develop. We will provide updates as new information emerges.