AceShowbiz - The singer David Anthony Burke, known professionally as D4vd, has pleaded not guilty to the murder charge involving 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, according to a report from The Associated Press.

David Anthony Burke appeared in a Los Angeles courtroom on Monday afternoon, April 20, following formal charges brought by the District Attorney’s Office. In addition to the murder accusation, Burke faces charges of sexual abuse of a child under the age of 14 and unlawful mutilation of human remains. The judge subsequently ordered that Burke be held without bail.

Burke’s attorney, Blair Berk, entered the pleas on his client’s behalf and firmly asserted his innocence. "We believe the actual evidence will show David Burke did not murder Celeste Rivas Hernandez," she stated. "We would like to have the evidence come into the light of day." Berk also requested an expedited preliminary evidentiary hearing, a motion welcomed by lead prosecutor Beth Silverman, who expressed readiness to present the evidence collected so far.

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced the charges and noted that the criminal complaint includes special circumstances related to the murder. These allegations include the murder of a witness, murder for financial gain, and lying in wait. Hochman further revealed that prior to her death, Rivas was a witness in a case investigating Burke for "lewd and lascivious sexual acts" involving a person under 14 years old.

If Burke is convicted on all charges, he could face life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. The death penalty remains a potential outcome, although the DA’s office has indicated that a decision on seeking capital punishment will be determined at a later date.

The charges were filed seven months after the discovery of Rivas’ dismembered and decomposing body found in the front trunk of an impounded Tesla registered to Burke. Following her identification, it was confirmed that Rivas had been reported missing by her family in 2024.

This case has drawn significant attention due to the severity of the allegations and the profile of the accused, with further legal proceedings expected to clarify the evidence and determine the outcome.