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Again in September of 2025, the dismembered physique of Celeste Rivas Hernandez was discovered within the trunk of an impounded Tesla belonging to R&B singer D4vd.
Final week, D4vd was arrested for Hernandez’s homicide. And at present he was formally charged with homicide.
Prosecutors waited till the final potential minute and would have needed to launch D4vd from custody at present if they’d not introduced expenses.
In a press convention, a spokesperson for the LAPD defined that D4vd has been charged with lewd and lascivious acts with a baby below 14, mutilating a physique, and first diploma homicide with particular circumstances.
As TMZ notes, that final cost makes him eligible for the dying penalty.
In response to police, D4vd murdered Celeste on April 23, 2025, however didn’t mutilate her physique till Might fifth.
It’s unclear how police arrived at these dates, however Rivas was reported lacking simply days earlier than her homicide.
Investigators additionally allege that “D4vd did unlawfully have interaction in three and extra acts of ‘substantial sexual conduct’” with Rivas.
In response to the timeline put forth by police, Celeste may have been as younger as 12 when the alleged abuse occurred.
The “particular circumstances” cited by police embrace mendacity in wait, homicide for monetary achieve, and homicide of a witness to an investigation.
It’s unclear right now if D4vd — whose actual title is David Burke — can be eligible for parole, however it appears extremely unlikely.
Attorneys for the 21-year-old not too long ago issued an announcement denying any wrongdoing on behalf of their shopper.
“Allow us to be clear – the precise proof on this case will present that David Burke didn’t homicide Celeste Rivas Hernandez and he was not the reason for her dying,” attorneys Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski and Regina Peter stated.
Investigators say Rivas’ physique was so badly mutilated that she wanted to be recognized by her tattoos.
In response to LA County District Legal professional Nathan J. Hochman, Rivas’ “dismembered and decomposed stays had been present in two baggage.” Components of the physique stay lacking,
“The investigation was to find out who killed, who murdered, Celeste months and months earlier than,” Hochman added.
“She was by no means heard from once more,” he stated of Rivas’ sudden disappearance in April of final yr.
Rivas’ physique was discovered within the trunk of a automotive when impound lot staff started to complain of a foul odor emanating from the automobile.
The automotive was registered in D4vd’s title, however it was not clear if he had ever pushed it. On the time of the invention, the singer was in Minneapolis as a part of his first nationwide tour.
We may have additional updates on this growing story as new data turns into obtainable.