Los Angeles authorities have charged rapper D4vd with the murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas, whose dismembered body was found in a vehicle owned by the singer. According to prosecutors, the rapper's motive was to protect his career after engaging in a sexual relationship with the minor, fearing their relationship would come to light.
As described by prosecutors in the charging document 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 outlined in the charging document, sometime between September 2023 and September 2024, D4vd, whose real name is David Burke, "unlawfully engaged in three or more acts of substantial 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 being 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 the gaze of those in the courtroom, including Celeste's family. The case began last September when Rivas's dismembered body was discovered in the back of a Tesla owned by D4vd.
The horrific discovery was made when tow yard workers noticed a foul odor coming from the vehicle, after Rivas had been reported missing by her family in April. Immediately after the 14-year-old's body was found, the rapper canceled his tour without further comment, while at the same time, speculation "ignited" as photos of D4vd with the minor before her disappearance were published. As was known at the time, the dismembered body of the 14-year-old was found in two separate bags inside the Tesla.