‘SICKENING CRIME’: US Pop Star D4vd Pleads Not Guilty to Murder of 14-Year-Old Girl Found Dismembered in His Tesla
- A 21-year-old pop star has been charged with first-degree murder, lewd and lascivious acts with a minor, and mutilating a body after a 14-year-old girl’s dismembered corpse was found in his car.
- Celeste Rivas Hernandez was last seen alive in 2024 and her family had reported her missing, but it wasn’t until September 2025 that her body was discovered in a Tesla registered to D4vd.
- The singer’s lawyers claim he is innocent and will ‘vigorously defend David’s innocence’, but prosecutors say the evidence will show a ‘sickening crime’ that could carry the death penalty.
- D4vd’s arrest comes after a ‘secret’ investigation by an LA County grand jury, which was uncovered when his family objected to subpoenas demanding they testify.
The shocking arrest of US pop star D4vd has sent shockwaves through the music industry and beyond, as the 21-year-old singer faces charges of first-degree murder, lewd and lascivious acts with a minor, and mutilating a body.
The victim, 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, was found dismembered in the boot of D4vd’s Tesla, which was abandoned in the Hollywood Hills.
According to prosecutors, D4vd, whose real name is David Burke, engaged in a sexual relationship with Celeste, who was just 13 when she went missing in 2024.
Her family had reported her missing from her hometown of Lake Elsinore, but it wasn’t until September 2025 that her body was discovered in the Tesla, which was registered to D4vd at a Texas address.
The investigation into Celeste’s death was shrouded in secrecy, with D4vd’s family objecting to subpoenas demanding they testify in a Texas court. But it was the discovery of Celeste’s body that finally led to D4vd’s arrest.
Workers at a tow yard had reported a foul smell coming from the car, which had been there for several days. When investigators searched the vehicle, they found a large cadaver bag ‘covered with insects and a strong odour of decay’, according to court documents.
As detectives partly unzipped the bag, they found a head and torso, while a second black bag contained further dismembered body parts.
The cause of death has not been publicly revealed, with police successfully moving to block the release of details of the autopsy, arguing it was necessary to maintain the integrity of the investigation.
D4vd’s lawyers have fiercely denied the charges, claiming he is innocent and that they will ‘vigorously defend David’s innocence’. But prosecutors say the evidence will show a ‘sickening crime’ that could carry the death penalty.
The singer’s arrest has sparked outrage and shock, with many fans taking to social media to express their disgust and sadness.
Analysis: What This Means for Australia While the crime itself did not occur on Australian soil, the case highlights the dark side of social media fame and the dangers of online grooming.
As a global community, we must confront the reality of online predators and take steps to protect our children from those who would seek to harm them.
Security analysts say that the case serves as a stark reminder of the need for increased vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement agencies across borders. ‘This is a wake-up call for all of us,’ said one expert.
‘We need to work together to prevent these kinds of crimes and ensure that those who commit them are brought to justice.’
As the investigation into D4vd’s alleged crimes continues, the family of Celeste Rivas Hernandez remain tight-lipped about the case. But one thing is clear: the world will be watching as this shocking case unfolds.
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