D4vd Charged With Murder Of 14-Year-Old Found In Trunk Of His Car

David Anthony Burke — the 21-year-old alt-pop star known as D4vd — will be formally charged with first-degree murder in the killing of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, following his arrest in Los Angeles County last week. Last September, Hernandez's decomposing body was discovered in an abandoned Tesla registered to Burke that had been parked in the Hollywood Hills for over a month.

In a press conference, District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said Burke's murder charge comes with special circumstances, including lying in wait, committing the crime for financial gain, and murdering a witness to an investigation. Burke will face a maximum prison sentence of life without the possibility of parole; Hochman said he may also face death penalty. Prosecutors have also accused Burke of lewd and lascivious sexual acts with an individual under 14 years of age and mutilating human remains.

In the weeks after Hernandez's body was discovered, fans began circulating photos and videos that appeared to show her and Burke together. Hernandez’s mother told police that she had a boyfriend named David, and the pair reportedly had matching tattoos. Meanwhile, Burke continued playing a few more shows, until police searched his home in late September. His live events were canceled and Interscope suspended plans for a deluxe edition of his album.