US singer D4vd pleads not guilty to murder charge

US singer D4vd has pleaded not guilty to charges including first-degree murder in the death of a 14-year-old girl whose body was found in his Tesla in Los Angeles last year.

The 21-year-old musician, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, appeared in court on Monday, where his lawyer entered not guilty pleas on his behalf to all counts.

He is also charged with lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14 and with mutilating a body.

His lawyers said the evidence would show he is innocent.

Los Angeles prosecutors allege Burke had a sexual relationship with Celeste Rivas Hernandez and killed her to stop her from reporting it as his music career was taking off.

They say she was 13 when the alleged abuse began in September 2023, and 14 when she was killed on or around 23 April 2025.

Authorities say Celeste’s body was discovered in September 2025 inside Burke’s Tesla after the vehicle was towed from the Hollywood Hills.

Prosecutors further allege that her body was mutilated about two weeks after her death.

The charges include special circumstances that could make Burke eligible for the death penalty if he is convicted, though prosecutors have not said whether they intend to seek it.

He is being held without bail.

D4vd, pronounced David, rose to prominence in 2022 after finding a large audience online with his blend of indie rock, R&B and lo-fi pop.

His breakthrough track, Romantic Homicide, became a viral hit and helped establish him as one of a new wave of Gen Z artists to emerge through TikTok and streaming platforms.

He later signed a major label deal and released the EPs Petals to Thorns and The Lost Petals in 2023.

His debut album, Withered, was released in 2025, and he had recently played at Coachella before the case became public.

It’s confirmed that D4vd was dropped by Interscope last year.

The case had been under investigation for months before charges were announced.

A preliminary hearing has been requested.