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D4vd Pleads Not Guilty to First-Degree Murder in Death of 14-Year-Old Celeste Rivas Hernandez

Prosecutors say a large body of physical, forensic and digital evidence underpins the case.

Overview

  • D4vd, 21, pleaded not guilty Monday at his Los Angeles arraignment and was ordered held without bail under special-circumstance murder charges that allow life without parole or a possible death sentence.
  • Prosecutors allege he had an illegal sexual relationship with Celeste beginning at 13 and that he lured her to his Hollywood Hills home on April 23, 2025, killed her with a sharp instrument, then dismembered her to stop her from exposing him.
  • Celeste’s dismembered remains were found on Sept. 8, 2025, in two bags inside the front trunk of a Tesla registered to him after the car was towed from the Hollywood Hills to an impound yard.
  • Investigators describe extensive physical, forensic and digital evidence supporting the charges, with multiple outlets reporting roughly 40 terabytes collected, and the decision on seeking the death penalty still pending.
  • Following the family’s Tuesday statement thanking investigators and asking for justice, Burke remained in segregation at Men’s Central Jail; his attorneys say the evidence will clear him and have asked for a prompt evidentiary hearing.