US musician D4vd pleaded not guilty on Monday to first-degree murder and additional charges in the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The singer, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, appeared in a Los Angeles courtroom for his first public hearing since his arrest last week. Prosecutors say the teenager vanished after visiting his Hollywood Hills home nearly a year ago.

Her decomposed and dismembered remains turned up in September 2025 inside a Tesla registered to Burke. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced the charges on Monday, describing the case as a parent's nightmare.

D4vd Faces Multiple Charges in Celeste Rivas Hernandez Death

Los Angeles authorities charged the 21-year-old Houston-born singer with first-degree murder under special circumstances. These include lying in wait, murder for financial gain to protect his music career, and murder of a witness to an investigation. Officials also filed counts of continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14 and unlawful mutilation of human remains, according to court documents reported by the BBC and AP News.

Prosecutors allege Celeste Rivas Hernandez went to Burke's residence on 23 April 2025 and was never seen alive again. Investigators discovered her remains on 8 September 2025 in the front trunk of the Tesla at a Hollywood tow yard. The DA's office stated that evidence links the killing to numerous sexual acts with a minor.

Burke did not speak during the brief arraignment. His legal team entered the not-guilty plea on his behalf and told the court they believe evidence will show he did not kill Celeste and was not the cause of her death.

Background: From Rising Star to Courtroom Drama

D4vd rose to fame as a teenager by posting Fortnite gameplay videos before teaching himself music production. He released his debut EP Petals To Thorns in 2023 and opened for SZA on her SOS tour. His debut album dropped in April 2025, earning him 22 million monthly Spotify listeners and nearly four million TikTok followers. He cancelled his world tour shortly after the remains were found.

The investigation moved slowly because of the condition of the body and the need to interview multiple witnesses. LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell defended the department's silence, saying his duty was to deliver justice rather than fuel speculation. He noted that decomposition delayed determining a cause of death.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Thursday, according to reports from the New York Times and LA Times.

Reactions from Family, Defense and Officials

The Rivas Hernandez family issued a statement through the BBC's US partner CBS News. They said they remain committed to ensuring Celeste's voice is heard and her memory is honoured. Their attorney did not immediately comment on the new charges.

Burke's defence attorneys Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski and Regina Peter released a statement after the hearing. They repeated their earlier remarks: “We will vigorously defend David's innocence.”

DA Hochman addressed reporters before the arraignment and outlined the three sets of murder charges. He confirmed the office could seek the death penalty. Police Chief McDonnell urged anyone with information to come forward.