D4vd Sexually Assaulted Celeste Rivas and Lay in Wait for Her Before Slaughtering Her as Singer Faces Death Penalty

Singer D4vd could face the death penalty after disturbing details came to light following his arrest in connection with the gruesome murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas — more than seven months after the teenager’s dismembered body was found inside a Tesla allegedly linked to him.

D4vd, real name David Burke, was charged with first-degree murder with special circumstances — including lying in wait, killing a potential witness, and committing the crime for financial gain — according to an announcement made Monday by Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman. He is also facing additional charges of engaging in lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14, as well as mutilating human remains.

In Deep Trouble

Prosecutors said the charge of killing a witness was applied because Rivas had been involved in the investigation into alleged lewd and lascivious conduct. They also included the allegation of murder for financial gain, claiming D4vd may have believed that accusations of a sexual relationship with a minor could destroy his music career.

He now faces a possible sentence of life in prison without parole or even the death penalty, with the final decision to be made later.

The case is backed by a combination of witness statements and documentary evidence, according to District Attorney Nathan Hochman. He also urged during a press conference on Monday that anyone with additional information to come forward, noting that investigators have gathered digital, physical, and forensic evidence.

The charges were filed just days after the singer was arrested at his Hollywood Hills home by the LAPD’s robbery-homicide division on Thursday. He is currently being held without bail.

“We came to the home with a probable cause arrest warrant for him,” LAPD Robbery-Homicide Division commanding officer Capt. Scot M. Williams confirmed to The California Post on the scene.

Exclusive footage obtained by The California Post shows the performer in handcuffs, surrounded by LAPD officers, as he was escorted away from his Hollywood home.

All His Motives Exposed

Rivas’ dismembered body was found in the back of a Tesla linked to D4vd in September, after workers at a tow yard noticed a strong, foul smell coming from the vehicle. She had originally been reported missing by her family in April.

Not long after the discovery, D4vd canceled the rest of his tour dates and withdrew from the public eye, as speculation intensified online about his possible connection to Rivas. Photos of the two together before her disappearance also began circulating.

As the investigation unfolded, more disturbing details emerged about the condition of Rivas’ remains. Authorities revealed that her body parts had been placed in two separate cadaver bags inside the Tesla.

According to court documents later unsealed in Texas, her head and torso were found in one bag, while other body parts were discovered in a second bag, with insects present on the remains.

Shortly after the singer’s arrest, D4vd’s legal team issued a statement.

“Let us be clear — the actual evidence in this case will show that David Burke did not murder Celeste Rivas Hernandez and he was not the cause of her death. There has been no indictment returned by any grand jury in this case and no criminal complaint filed,” attorneys Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski and Regina Peter said in a joint statement.

“David has only been detained under suspicion. We will vigorously defend David’s innocence,” the attorneys continued.