Singer D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, was back in a Los Angeles courtroom on Oct. 19 in the murder case over the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The hearing lasted only minutes and ended with a new court date in January. Here is what happened to D4vd, what he is charged with, and what comes next.
What happened to D4vd
Burke, 21, is charged with murder in the 2025 death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose remains were found in the trunk of his Tesla at a Hollywood tow yard, NBC Los Angeles reported. He was arrested on April 16, 2026, by Los Angeles Police Department officers and charged on April 20 with capital murder. He is also charged with one count of continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14 and one count of mutilation of human remains. He pleaded not guilty on Aug. 31 and is being held without bail.
Prosecutors have added three special circumstance allegations: lying in wait, murder for financial gain, and killing a witness in a criminal investigation. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office has not announced whether it will seek the death penalty, according to NBC Los Angeles.
Timeline
- April 23, 2025: Prosecutors say Burke invited Celeste to his Hollywood Hills home. District Attorney Nathan Hochman has said the lying-in-wait allegation stems from this invitation.
- Sept. 5, 2025: Burke’s Tesla, parked about 400 feet from his home, is towed, according to a prosecution filing cited by NBC Los Angeles.
- Sept. 8, 2025: Celeste’s body is found in the car, days after what would have been her 15th birthday.
- April 16, 2026: Burke is arrested.
- April 20, 2026: He is charged with capital murder and related counts.
- July 2026: After more than four days of preliminary hearing testimony, Judge Charlaine Olmedo finds enough evidence for the case to go to trial.
- Aug. 31, 2026: Burke pleads not guilty. His three private attorneys, Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski and Regina Peter, withdraw, and the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office takes over.
- Oct. 19, 2026: A brief status conference ends with the next hearing set for Jan. 11, 2027.
What happened at the Oct. 19 hearing
The hearing lasted only a few minutes, Los Angeles Magazine reported. Burke’s new public defenders said they are working with prosecutors to obtain more discovery, the evidence the prosecution must share with the defense. Judge Olmedo set the next status conference for Jan. 11, 2027. The Times of India also reported the January date.
What prosecutors allege
Prosecutors contend Burke killed Celeste to keep her from going public about what they describe as a lengthy sexual relationship that threatened his music career, according to NBC Los Angeles. That theory underlies the financial gain allegation. Prosecutors say Celeste was the key witness in an investigation into Burke’s alleged sexual activity with her, which is the basis for the witness-killing allegation.
During the preliminary hearing, then-defense attorney Marilyn Bednarski argued there was not enough evidence to support any of the charges. Burke has pleaded not guilty to all counts. Film Daily reported that key gaps remain in the investigation, including the weapon and the victim’s phone.
Why it matters
D4vd rose quickly as a young singer with a large online following, which is why the case has drawn so much public attention. The charges are among the most serious possible under California law. Because capital murder with special circumstances is charged, the possible sentences include life without parole or, if prosecutors pursue it, the death penalty.
Celeste’s family has spoken publicly. In a statement released on what would have been her 16th birthday, they said the death penalty “would be perfect for this kind of human being,” while adding that the decision is “in God’s” hands and the California justice system’s, NBC Los Angeles reported. The family also objected to Burke being represented by public defenders, saying he is “not indigent.”
What’s next
The next status conference is set for Jan. 11, 2027. Watch for whether the district attorney’s office announces a decision on the death penalty and whether the discovery process leads to a firm trial schedule.
FAQ
What is D4vd charged with?
David Anthony Burke is charged with capital murder in the death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, with special circumstances of lying in wait, financial gain and killing a witness. He is also charged with continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14 and mutilation of human remains.
Has D4vd pleaded guilty?
No. He pleaded not guilty on Aug. 31, 2026.
When is D4vd’s next court date?
His next status conference is Jan. 11, 2027, in Los Angeles County Superior Court.
Is D4vd facing the death penalty?
The charges make it possible, but the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office has not announced whether it will seek it.