Lawyers Claim D4vd Not Responsible for Teen Girl's Death

Singer arrested on suspicion of murder maintains innocence, says evidence will show he 'did not murder' Celeste Rivas Hernandez.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 6:52pm

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An extreme close-up of a single dismembered human bone, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.A grim forensic detail exposes the disturbing realities behind a high-profile celebrity murder investigation.Lake Elsinore Today

Lawyers for singer D4vd, also known as David Burke, have issued a statement proclaiming their client's innocence in the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Burke was arrested on suspicion of murder, but his attorneys say 'the actual evidence in this case will show that David Burke did not murder' the teen and 'he was not the cause of her death.'

Why it matters

This high-profile case involving a popular young musician has sparked intense public interest and scrutiny. The outcome could have significant implications for Burke's career and public perception, as well as raise broader questions about the criminal justice system's handling of such sensitive cases.

The details

Homicide detectives arrested D4vd, 21, on suspicion of murder in the killing of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, a teen who went missing from Lake Elsinore, California, in April 2023. On Sept. 8, 2025, the girl's dismembered body was found in a Tesla SUV registered to Burke that had been abandoned in the Hollywood Hills. An investigation focused on the potential relationship between Burke and the victim, as the two reportedly had similar tattoos and were seen together online.

  • Celeste Rivas Hernandez went missing from Lake Elsinore, California in April 2023.
  • On September 8, 2025, the girl's dismembered body was found in a Tesla SUV registered to Burke.
  • Burke was arrested on suspicion of murder on April 18, 2026.

The players

D4vd (David Burke)

A 21-year-old singer who was arrested on suspicion of murder in the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.

Celeste Rivas Hernandez

A 14-year-old girl who went missing in April 2023 and whose dismembered body was later found in a Tesla SUV registered to Burke.

Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski, and Regina Peter

Lawyers representing D4vd (David Burke) who have proclaimed their client's innocence in the case.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski, and Regina Peter, Lawyers for D4vd (David Burke)

“There has been no indictment returned by any grand jury in this case and no criminal complaint filed. David has only been detained under suspicion. We will vigorously defend David's innocence.”

— Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski, and Regina Peter, Lawyers for D4vd (David Burke)

What’s next

The case is expected to be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office on April 20 for filing consideration. Prosecutors will review the facts and evidence to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to file charges against D4vd (David Burke).

The takeaway

This high-profile case involving a popular young musician has sparked intense public interest and scrutiny. The outcome could have significant implications for Burke's career and public perception, as well as raise broader questions about the criminal justice system's handling of such sensitive cases.