David Burke, a 21-year-old musician ​known professionally as D4vd, pleaded not guilty on Monday (April 20, 2026) to first-degree ⁠murder and other charges in the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, months after her dismembered body was found inside the trunk of his Tesla in Hollywood.

D4vd was charged with murder ‌with special circumstances of lying in wait, committing a crime for financial gain, and murdering a witness in an investigation. He faces a ‌maximum prison sentence of life without parole. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan ‌Hochman ⁠said prosecutors would decide later whether to seek the death penalty.