Where Is D4vd Now? Murder Case Updates, Next Move
D4vd remains behind bars at Twin Towers Correctional Facility while the state prepares for trial on first-degree murder and related charges. The 21-year-old singer, born David Anthony Burke, has been in custody without bail since his April arrest. The case centers on the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose remains were found in the trunk of his Tesla last September. The July preliminary hearing confirmed the charges will proceed to trial.
Preliminary hearing outcome
Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo ruled after five days of testimony that prosecutors met their burden on all counts. The charges include first-degree murder with special circumstances, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and mutilation of human remains. The judge noted that the evidence presented was only a fraction of what the state intends to introduce at trial.
Text messages, Amazon purchase records, and forensic findings from the Tesla formed the core of the hearing evidence. Prosecutors described alleged threats to the victim and financial motives tied to the singer's rising career. The defense contested the interpretation of communications but did not challenge the probable cause finding.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman stated after the ruling that the evidence at trial will be overwhelming. The next formal step is the August 31 arraignment, where D4vd entered a not guilty plea through newly appointed counsel.
Representation change
High-profile private attorneys withdrew on the day of arraignment, citing financial strain. A public defender now handles the case and has requested expanded jail access to review digital evidence. The shift marks a significant change from the initial defense team that handled the preliminary hearing.
New counsel is seeking laptop privileges and in-person meetings to examine social media records and video files. Prosecutors have not opposed the access requests, according to court filings. The defense team has not commented on strategy adjustments following the representation change.
The public defender's office has not indicated whether it will seek additional expert witnesses or investigators. The next scheduled hearing is set for October 19, though trial dates remain fluid depending on discovery completion.
Family civil action
The Rivas family filed a wrongful death lawsuit on September 10 against D4vd, his mother, manager, and a security guard. The complaint alleges failure to intervene in an abusive relationship that began when the victim was 13. It also claims trafficking elements and seeks damages for emotional distress and loss of support.
Family attorney Patrick Steinfeld stated the family is relieved the criminal case is moving forward. The family has expressed support for the death penalty if D4vd is convicted. They marked what would have been Celeste's 16th birthday with public calls for justice.
The civil case remains in early stages with no trial date set. It runs parallel to the criminal proceedings and could face delays if the criminal trial proceeds first. The defendants have not yet filed responses to the complaint.
Evidence timeline
Celeste Rivas Hernandez was last seen at D4vd's Hollywood Hills home on April 23, 2025. Her body was discovered September 8 in the trunk of an impounded Tesla registered to the singer. The autopsy confirmed multiple stab wounds as the cause of death.
Prosecutors allege the relationship began when the victim was 13 and continued until her disappearance. Court testimony referenced Amazon purchases of chainsaws and other items around the time of the killing. No murder weapon has been recovered publicly.
The case relies heavily on circumstantial evidence including digital records, financial transactions, and witness statements. The DA's office has indicated additional evidence will be introduced at trial beyond what was shown at the preliminary hearing.
Career impact
D4vd's music career stopped abruptly after the body discovery. Darkroom/Interscope ended its relationship with the artist, and collaborations were removed from major platforms. His debut album Withered had peaked at number 13 on the Billboard 200 in April 2025.
Testimony during the preliminary hearing referenced approximately $2.77 million in earnings for 2025. Streaming numbers declined sharply after the arrest, and YouTube demonetized existing content. Industry analysts consider a career rebound unlikely regardless of trial outcome.
Former collaborators and featured artists have distanced themselves from the singer's catalog. Tour dates scheduled after the arrest were canceled. The label has not commented on whether any unreleased material remains under contract.
Public response
Social media discussions have focused on accountability and the separation of art from artist. Some fans continue to stream older tracks while others call for complete removal from platforms. The case has become a reference point in broader conversations about industry oversight of young artists.
Online discourse has included questions about how the alleged relationship continued undetected. Critics point to gaps in management and security protocols at the Hollywood Hills residence. Supporters of the victim have organized remembrance events and fundraising efforts for her family.
Media coverage has remained steady since the July ruling, with major outlets reporting on each court development. Local Los Angeles stations have provided more frequent updates given the proximity to the alleged crime scene. National attention has focused on the timeline and evidence rather than speculation about trial strategy.
Next legal steps
The October 19 hearing will address discovery issues and potential trial scheduling. Both sides must complete evidence exchange before a trial date can be set. The defense has indicated it may file additional pretrial motions once full access to digital evidence is granted.
Death penalty eligibility remains under review by the district attorney's office. Prosecutors have not stated whether they will seek capital punishment or life without parole if convicted. The decision typically follows the preliminary hearing phase in high-profile cases.
Pre-trial motions could address the admissibility of certain evidence and witness testimony. The defense has not indicated whether it will challenge the search warrants or digital evidence collection. Any delays in discovery could push a trial date into 2027.
Industry context
The case has prompted renewed scrutiny of artist management practices for performers who rise quickly through social media. Labels and management companies are reviewing age-verification protocols and chaperone requirements for young talent. No formal industry-wide policy changes have been announced yet.
Streaming platforms have not implemented new content removal policies specific to this case. Existing terms of service already allow removal for criminal convictions, though timing varies by platform. The case may influence future contract language regarding artist conduct and legal proceedings.
Fortnite and other gaming platforms that featured D4vd's music have not commented on whether tracks will return to rotation. The original collaborations were removed following the arrest. Rights holders have not indicated plans to restore the content regardless of trial outcome.
Case outlook
The criminal trial timeline depends on discovery completion and any pretrial motions. Most complex murder cases in Los Angeles County take 12 to 18 months from arraignment to trial. The public defender's office has not indicated whether it will seek additional resources for this case.
Whatever the outcome, D4vd will remain in custody until trial concludes. The civil lawsuit will likely proceed on a separate track and could settle independently of the criminal verdict. Both proceedings will continue to generate updates through at least 2027.
