D4vd murder charge: What we know so far
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The BBC podcast 'What in the World' investigates the high-profile murder case of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose dismembered body was found in a Tesla linked to singer D4vd (David Anthony Burke) in September 2025. Despite being charged with first-degree murder with special circumstances—including lying in wait, murder for financial gain, and murder of a witness—D4vd has pleaded not guilty, and his legal team insists he is innocent. The prosecution alleges a pattern of continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, which began in 2023, and claims the murder occurred after Celeste threatened to expose the relationship. What makes this case particularly complex is the seven-month delay in arrest, during which the LAPD and DA’s office conducted a meticulous forensic and digital investigation involving 40 terabytes of data—Apple Watch activity, Uber logs, Wi-Fi connections, and social media communications. The case has become a viral sensation on TikTok and Reddit, where fans have reconstructed timelines and shared edited clips of D4vd and Celeste, amplifying public scrutiny. The episode underscores the legal and ethical boundaries around child consent, the power of digital evidence, and the dangers of internet sleuthing in real criminal investigations.
Celeste Rivas Hernandez was 14 when she died; her body was found dismembered in a Tesla, with multiple penetrating stab wounds to her abdomen and chest.
D4vd faces three counts: first-degree murder with special circumstances, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains.
Children cannot legally consent to relationships, so any relationship with a minor—even if it appears affectionate—is considered abusive under the law.
The prosecution alleges murder for financial gain because Celeste could have exposed the abuse, damaging D4vd’s career and income.
The LAPD delayed charges for seven months to gather 40 terabytes of digital evidence, including Apple Watch data, Uber logs, and Wi-Fi trails.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Introduction to the D4vd Murder Case
The episode opens with a brief ad for the BBC Documentary, then transitions into the story of D4vd’s arrest and charges in the murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose body was found in his Tesla in September 2025.
Who is D4vd and Who Was Celeste?
Hannah introduces D4vd (David Anthony Burke), a TikTok-born artist with 22 million Spotify listeners, and details Celeste’s background—shy, intelligent, a runaway with family struggles—painting her as a vulnerable teenager.
Discovery of the Body and Initial Public Reaction
Celeste’s body was found on September 8, 2025, dismembered in two cadaver bags in the front trunk of a Tesla. The LAPD provided minimal public information, sparking intense speculation on social media as fans pieced together digital evidence.
The Seven-Month Investigation Delay
The episode explores why it took seven months to charge D4vd, with LA District Attorney Nathan Hoffman explaining the need for a thorough forensic and digital investigation involving 40 terabytes of data.
The Charges and Special Circumstances
“Children cannot consent. You can't coerce a child because they're not able to give their consent at all.”
“Children cannot consent. You can't coerce a child because they're not able to give their consent at all.”
“There are 40 terabytes of information in this case. There is so much digital evidence that we're not going to give it all to you before that.”
“The prosecution will allege that at some point Celeste must threaten to speak out about it.”
Host
Guest
celeste rivas hernandez
person
d4vd
person
anushka mutanda-dawati
person
tiktok
other
los angeles police department
organization
district attorney
organization
nathan hoffman
person
spotify
other
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