US Musician D4vd Pleads Not Guilty to Murder After Teen’s Body Found in Car

US musician D4vd has pleaded not guilty to multiple serious charges, including first-degree murder, following the discovery of a missing teenager’s body in his vehicle in Los Angeles.

The 21-year-old artist, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, appeared in court this week after prosecutors alleged he was responsible for the death of 15-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.

Authorities say the teenager’s remains were found inside a Tesla registered to Burke after it had been abandoned in the Hollywood Hills and later towed following complaints of a strong odor.

According to Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman, the victim had allegedly been involved with Burke and had threatened to expose him prior to her death.

Investigators claim her body remained undiscovered for months, significantly complicating efforts to determine the exact cause of death due to the condition of the remains.

Burke now faces charges including murder, continuous sexual abuse of a minor and unlawful mutilation of human remains. If convicted, he could face the death penalty.

During a brief court appearance, his legal team entered a not-guilty plea on his behalf, maintaining his innocence and stating they will vigorously contest the allegations.

The case has drawn widespread attention, particularly due to Burke’s rapid rise to fame in 2022 with his viral hit Romantic Homicide.

The court has scheduled his next appearance for later this week, as he remains in custody.