The image of David Burke, therising musical artist known as d4vd, now exists as a stark police mugshot rather than a promotional portrait. Following his recent arrest, authorities have formally charged the singer with the murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
This development marks a grim turning point in a case that has transitioned from a missing persons investigation to a high-stakes capital murder case. And d4vd could potentially face the death penalty if convicted.
Rapper d4vd was arrested on 16 April for the murder of Hernandez. On Monday, his mugshot was released, and it immediately circulated on social media.
The Los Angeles District Attorney has charged the musician with 'first-degree murder with special circumstances (lying in wait)' that could potentially lead to a life sentence without parole or the death penalty. He also faces additional charges, including'lewd and lascivious acts involving a child under 14 and mutilations of human remains.'
D4vd has been charged by the Los Angeles District Attorney with first-degree murder with special circumstances (lying in wait) in the killing of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, a charge that carries a potential sentence of life without parole or the death penalty.…pic.twitter.com/W3NAOqw45R
His mugshot received mixed responses, but the majority were convinced that he had something to do with the teenager's death. There were allegations that he groomed Hernandez, too.
'Assuming he's innocent until proven guilty, how on earth did a 14-year-old girl you were allegedly grooming/mentoring end up mutilated in body bags in your Tesla trunk and you couldn't even make a statement???' one user wrote onX. Meanwhile, another was surprised that d4vd was still so young, feeling that he had just 'wasted his life.'
But assuming he’s innocent until proven guilty, how on earth did a 14-year old girl you were allegedly grooming/mentoring end up mutilated in body bags in your Tesla trunk and you couldn’t even make a statement???pic.twitter.com/kLCNAATege
Born in 2005? Dude is still a child. This sick freak just wasted his life and prematurely ended Celeste’s life. Prayers to Celeste’s friends and family.
District Attorney Nathan Hochmanhas unveiled a chilling theory regarding the motive behind the teenager's death. The prosecution alleges that d4vd murdered the 14-year-old specifically to maintain his musical career, saying 'that Celeste was threatening on that particular night.' According to the District Attorney, the evidence will demonstrate that the victim was a potential witness in a separate investigation.
Source: International Business Times UK
