Singer D4vd denies charges after a teen girl’s remains were found in a car linked to him

US singer D4vd has pleaded not guilty to the murder of a 14-year-old girl whose dismembered remains were discovered in a car registered to him, in a case that has sent shockwaves through both the music industry and the public.

The 21-year-old musician, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, appeared in court on Monday following his arrest in Hollywood last week. Prosecutors have charged him with first-degree murder, as well as lewd and lascivious acts involving a minor under 14 and mutilation of a body. He remains in custody without bail after his legal team entered not guilty pleas on all charges.

The victim, Celeste Rivas Hernandez, had been reported missing from Lake Elsinore in 2024 when she was just 13 years old. Authorities say she was 14 at the time of her death. Her remains were identified following forensic examinations after being discovered in September inside a Tesla Model Y linked to Burke.

Police were initially called to a Hollywood tow yard after reports of a foul smell coming from the vehicle. The car had been towed from the Hollywood Hills, where it appeared to have been abandoned. What investigators uncovered inside was deeply disturbing.

According to court documents, officers found a cadaver bag containing a head and torso, along with a second bag holding dismembered body parts. The condition of the remains indicated significant decomposition. The official cause of death has not yet been confirmed, though authorities have said a coroner’s report will be released soon.

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman outlined the prosecution’s case during a press conference. He stated that Celeste was last heard from on 23 April 2025, when she reportedly went to Burke’s home in the Hollywood Hills after being invited. From that point on, she was never heard from again.

Prosecutors allege that Burke killed the teenager to protect his career, claiming she posed a threat to his “very lucrative musical career” on the night of her death. The charges also include special circumstances such as lying in wait and murdering a potential witness, which could make the case eligible for the death penalty. However, officials have not yet confirmed whether they will pursue that option.

Burke’s legal team has strongly denied the allegations. In earlier statements, his lawyers said they would “vigorously defend” him, insisting that the evidence would show he was not responsible for Celeste’s death.

During his court appearance, Burke was seen dressed in black and appeared behind glass in a custody area. Celeste’s parents were also present in court, though they have not made any public statements regarding the case.

Authorities described Celeste as a runaway, adding another layer of complexity to the investigation into her disappearance and death.

District Attorney Hochman described the case as “a parent’s nightmare”, underscoring the severity and emotional weight of the allegations.

As the legal process unfolds, the case is expected to draw intense scrutiny. With serious charges and disturbing details at its centre, it raises significant questions that will now be examined in court.

For now, Burke remains behind bars, maintaining his innocence, while prosecutors prepare to present their case in what is likely to be a closely watched and highly contentious trial.