US Musician D4vd Pleads Not Guilty to Murder of 14-Year-Old Girl

US musician D4vd has pleaded not guilty to multiple murder charges over the death of a 14-year-old girl, Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose remains were discovered months after she was reported missing.

The artist, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, appeared before a court in Los Angeles on Monday, where his legal team entered a not guilty plea on his behalf. The 21-year-old did not speak during the arraignment, his first public court appearance since his arrest.

According to prosecutors, Hernandez was last seen on April 23, 2025, when she visited Burke’s residence in the Hollywood Hills and “was never heard from again.” Her decomposing remains were later found on September 8 inside a vehicle registered to the singer. Authorities said the body had been dismembered.

Nathan Hochman, the Los Angeles County District Attorney, announced that Burke faces three major charges: first-degree murder with special circumstances, murder for financial gain, and the killing of a witness linked to an investigation.

Prosecutors allege that the teenager had knowledge of sensitive information that could have affected Burke’s career, claiming he acted to silence her. The charges also include allegations tied to sexual offences involving a minor and the mutilation of a body.

Burke’s defence team has strongly denied the accusations, maintaining that evidence will show he was not responsible for the teenager’s death. “We will vigorously defend David’s innocence,” his attorneys said in a statement.

The case has drawn significant public attention, with heightened emotions in the courtroom as the victim’s family attended proceedings. In a statement, the family said they remain committed to ensuring that justice is served and that their daughter’s memory is honoured.

Authorities have indicated that the case remains under active investigation, and prosecutors have not ruled out the possibility of seeking the death penalty if Burke is convicted.