Los Angeles authorities have charged rapper D4vd with the murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas, whose dismembered body was found in a car owned by the singer.
According to prosecutors, the rapper's motive was to protect his career after having sexual relations with the underage girl, fearing that their relationship would come to light.
As prosecutors described in the indictment following the rapper's arrest hours earlier, D4vd committed the crime for financial gain and used a "sharp instrument" to kill the young girl, who was found dead inside a Tesla he owned.
As described in the indictment, sometime between September 2023 and September 2024, D4vd, whose real name is David Burke, “unlawfully engaged in three or more acts of significant sexual conduct,” meaning it likely began when Rivas was just 12 years old.
The murder occurred around April 23, 2025, meaning the minor likely died shortly after she was reported missing and several months before her body was discovered.
D4vd pleaded not guilty to the charges while standing motionless as prosecutors appeared in court, avoiding looking at those in the courtroom, including Celeste's family.
How was the crime discovered?
The case began last September when Riva's dismembered body was discovered in the back of a Tesla owned by D4vd.
The horrific discovery was made when yard workers noticed a foul odor coming from the vehicle after Rivas was reported missing by her family in April.
Immediately after the discovery of the 14-year-old's body, the rapper canceled his tour without stating anything further, while at the same time, the scenarios "ignited" as photos of D4vd with the minor before her disappearance were released.
As it was known at the time, the 14-year-old's dismembered body was found in two different bags inside the Tesla.
