On Monday, April 20, D4vd pleaded not guilty to murder charges in connection with the death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez. He was appearing at his arraignment.
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D4vd has been formally charged with the murder of Celeste. Her decomposed body was found in the trunk of an impounded Tesla that was registered to D4vd.
"The singer was denied bail by Judge Theresa McGonigle at his Monday afternoon arraignment at the Foltz Criminal Justice Center in Los Angeles," PEOPLE reported. "His attorney's request for a preliminary hearing on April 23 was granted."
District Attorney Nathan Hochman alleges that D4vd sexually abused Celeste, also mutilating her body.
"According to Hochman, she was last seen at the singer's home in April 2025 and was "not heard from again." He also alleged the killing was committed for financial gain, claiming Burke acted to maintain his "very lucrative musical career,"" PEOPLE's report continued.
Furthermore, Hochman has alleged that Celeste's murder constitutes the killing of a witness. At the time of her death, there was already an active investigation into D4vd's alleged sexual abuse of Celeste.
D4vd's attorneys have previously denied any wrongdoing by their client.
"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, said in a statement.
D4vd Would Be Eligible for the Death Penalty
The charges that D4vd is facing could make him eligible for a death penalty sentence.
"Nathan J. Hochman, the Los Angeles County district attorney, said D4vd, whose real name is David Burke, will be charged with first-degree murder with the special circumstances of lying in wait, committing the crime for financial gain and murdering a witness to an investigation," The New York Times reports. "Because of the special circumstances, the charge carries a maximum sentence of life without the possibility of parole, or the death penalty."
Hochman and his office are reportedly yet to decide whether to pursue the death penalty in D4vd's case. If convicted, and the death penalty is not sought, D4vd could be facing life in prison.
There are no further details regarding D4vd's case at present. However, more information is bound to become available as we move closer to a trial.
