According to prosecutors, D4vd stands accused of fatally attacking Celeste Rivas with a “sharp instrument” before dismembering her.
Authorities discovered Rivas’s remains in the trunk of his Tesla in September 2025. In a statement released Monday (April 20), officials alleged that the singer “personally used a deadly and dangerous weapon, a sharp instrument, to commit the crime.”
“Celeste was just a child, under 14 years old, when David Burke allegedly engaged in repeated lewd and lascivious sexual relations with her,” District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said.
“But Burke’s actions did not allegedly stop there. When she threatened to expose his criminal conduct and devastate his musical career, Burke allegedly murdered her, cut up her body and stuffed her body in two bags that were placed in the front trunk of his car.”
“There the dismembered body sat for over four months decomposing until it was found at a tow yard on Sept. 8, 2025. This horrific and gruesome murder committed by the charged sexual predator is shocking and appalling. To Celeste’s loved ones, we will get the justice you seek and deserve.”
Police arrested D4vd on Thursday, over 7 months after they discovered Rivas’ decomposing body. The singer was on tour at the time, but canceled his remaining concerts soon afterward and said he was cooperating with authorities in their investigation.
Due to “special circumstances” surrounding the case, D4vd will be eligible for either the death penalty or a life sentence without parole. Those circumstances include the “lying in wait” nature of his alleged killing, that the killing was for financial gain, and that Rivas is considered a witness to a lewd acts charge.
Prosecutors will decide whether they will actually seek the death penalty at a later date.
At a press conference on Monday, LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell explained why the arrest took so long.
“My duty is not to fuel speculation,” he said. “It’s to deliver justice, and that requires patience and discipline on everybody’s part. This investigation was driven by a single purpose — to secure justice for Celeste Rivas and for those who loved her.”
🚨 Singer D4vd has been charged with the murder of Celeste Rivas, the death penalty is on the table.
Details: https://t.co/O8sh6TSf4N pic.twitter.com/80RdhsRIqn
— TMZ (@TMZ) April 20, 2026
