Where Is D4vd Now? His murder case hits new turns

D4vd remains in custody at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility as the criminal case against David Anthony Burke moves toward trial. The 21-year-old singer faces first-degree murder, sexual abuse, and mutilation charges tied to the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose body was found in a Tesla registered to him. Recent court developments have narrowed the timeline and shifted his legal team, setting the stage for what comes next in a case that has held national attention since the preliminary hearing concluded in late July.

Early career and rapid rise

Burke released his breakthrough single Romantic Homicide in 2022, which became a streaming phenomenon and led to a deal with Darkroom and Interscope. He followed with a Fortnite anthem and performed at Coachella before opening for SZA. His debut album Withered entered the Billboard 200 at number thirteen in 2025, positioning him for a longer commercial run.

That trajectory ended abruptly when authorities linked him to the disappearance of Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The timeline shows she was last seen arriving at his Hollywood Hills residence in April 2025. Her remains surfaced months later in the front trunk of his Tesla after the vehicle was towed from near his home.

Prosecutors allege the relationship began when she was thirteen and that threats to expose it preceded her death. They point to cellphone data, text exchanges about pregnancy and career damage, and purchases of tools consistent with body disposal.

Arrest and initial charges

Burke was taken into custody on April 16, 2026. Four days later, Los Angeles County prosecutors filed first-degree murder with special circumstances, continuous sexual abuse of a child under fourteen, and mutilation of human remains. The special circumstances include lying in wait, financial gain, and killing a potential witness.

His defense issued a statement at the time asserting that evidence would show he neither caused her death nor committed the charged acts. He has remained in custody without bail since the arrest.

The charges drew immediate scrutiny given the victim’s age and the graphic nature of the alleged disposal. Media coverage focused on the contrast between Burke’s rising profile and the severity of the accusations.

Preliminary hearing evidence

A five-day evidentiary hearing in July 2026 featured more than ten witnesses. Prosecutors presented cellphone photographs, blood and DNA matches recovered from Burke’s home, text messages including an alleged threat from the victim, and records of Amazon purchases such as chainsaws and body bags.

Judge Charlaine Olmedo ruled on July 27 that probable cause existed on all counts. She sustained the special circumstances, clearing the way for trial. The defense did not present witnesses during the hearing.

District Attorney Nathan Hochman stated afterward that the prosecution had shown only a fraction of its evidence and expected a stronger case at trial. The ruling ended weeks of speculation about whether the case would proceed.

Defense team transition

On August 31, 2026, high-profile private attorneys including Blair Berk withdrew from the case. A public defender was appointed the same day. The change occurred shortly after the preliminary hearing and before the scheduled arraignment.

Court records indicate the next appearance is set for October 19. No public explanation accompanied the withdrawal, though such shifts often reflect funding or strategic decisions once a case advances past the preliminary stage.

The switch places the defense in the hands of the public defender’s office, which now must prepare for a trial that could begin within sixty to ninety days depending on scheduling.

Where D4vd is now

D4vd is currently held without bail at Twin Towers Correctional Facility in Los Angeles County. He has been in custody since his April 2026 arrest and has not appeared publicly since the charges were filed.

His music catalog remains available on streaming platforms, though promotional activity ceased after the arrest. No new releases or tour dates have been announced, and industry representatives have not commented on future plans.

The public defender’s office has not issued statements beyond confirming the appointment. Any future comments on evidence or strategy are expected closer to trial.

Victim family response

After the preliminary hearing ruling, the victim’s family expressed relief that the case would proceed to trial. Their attorney stated the family planned to take a break following months of court proceedings.

The family has publicly called for the death penalty, which remains an option because of the special circumstances. Prosecutors have not yet announced whether they will seek it.

Statements from the family have focused on accountability rather than broader commentary about the music industry or online culture surrounding the case.

Evidence still under seal

Although the preliminary hearing revealed significant prosecution material, portions of the record remain sealed. Additional forensic results and witness statements have not been made public.

The defense has indicated it will challenge the strength of the evidence at trial. No motions to dismiss or suppress have been filed in open court as of early September 2026.

Further discovery is expected in the coming weeks as both sides prepare for arraignment and potential pretrial litigation.

Possible trial timeline

California law allows trials to begin as soon as sixty days after arraignment in murder cases, though complex cases often extend longer. The October 19 hearing will likely set a formal trial date.

If prosecutors pursue the death penalty, additional phases for penalty selection would follow a conviction. That decision remains pending.

Media access and courtroom logistics are expected to draw renewed attention once a trial date is confirmed.

Industry and fan reaction

Streaming numbers for D4vd’s catalog have fluctuated since the charges became public, though no formal study has quantified long-term impact. Social media discussion has centered on the court developments rather than new music.

Labels and streaming services have not issued public statements about catalog management or future releases. Past collaborators have remained silent.

Industry observers note that similar cases have led to extended holds on artist activity regardless of trial outcome, given the nature of the charges.

What happens next

The October 19 hearing will determine the next procedural steps and could set a trial date. The public defender’s office will begin reviewing discovery and preparing motions.

Any decision on the death penalty will shape both sides’ strategy. A trial, if it proceeds on schedule, could begin as early as winter 2026 or extend into 2027 depending on calendar availability and pretrial motions.

For now, D4vd remains in custody while the legal process moves forward through standard stages that have already narrowed the path from arrest to trial.