HOLLYWOOD HILLS—David Anthony Burke, known by his stage name D4VD, is eligible to receive both life in prison and the death penalty for his alleged involvement in the murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Burke is facing first-degree murder with special circumstances, lewd and lascivious acts with an individual under 14, and mutilating a body.
The special circumstances include lying in wait for the victim, committing the crime for financial gain, and murdering a witness in an investigation.
These circumstances increase the severity of the case, which has prompted Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman to consider pursuing the death penalty.
“We will evaluate the death penalty as we would in any eligible case. We will look at the aggravating and mitigating factors. We’re going to reach out to D4VD’s lawyer to make sure they have input into the process,” Hochman told KTLA 5 in an interview.
Investigators believe the scene of the crime was D4VD’s home in Hollywood Hills. They argue that Burke stabbed Hernandez after she threatened to expose his criminal conduct and jeopardize his music career.
Celeste Hernandez’s body was found mutilated in the front trunk of a Tesla in September 2025. Charges were filed against the singer on April 20, 2026. The preliminary hearing is set to begin Tuesday, July 21, which will determine whether there’s enough evidence to hold Burke to answer on the charges.
By Milan Manesh