48 Hours: Case by Case – D4vd Charged with Murder

Podcast: 48 Hours
Episode: D4vd Charged with Murder | Case by Case
Host: CBS News (Natalie Morales)
Original Air Date: April 25, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode of "Case by Case" investigates the shocking and tragic murder case involving rising music star David Anthony Burke, known professionally as D4vd. Burke, age 21, faces charges for the murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The case has generated widespread media attention due to Burke's celebrity status, the gruesome nature of the crime, and the complexity of the investigation. Host Natalie Morales is joined by CBS Chief Correspondent Matt Gutman to discuss the current legal proceedings, key evidence, and the impact on Celeste’s family.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Charges and Current Legal Proceedings

• Announcement of Charges (01:12)

  • Nathan Hockman, LA County DA, publicly announces charges: first-degree murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains.

  "Today I am announcing the charges against David Anthony Burke, the musician known as David spelled D4V D, in connection with the brutal and horrific murder of Celeste, a 14-year-old."
  — Nathan Hockman, DA (01:12)

• Case Status (02:47)

  • Preliminary hearing is underway to determine if there’s enough evidence for trial.
  • Massive evidence: "40 terabytes of discovery" held by prosecution.
  • Burke pleads not guilty; his legal team asserts his innocence.

• Medical Examiner’s Findings (04:18)

  • Celeste's body found in Burke’s Tesla at a tow yard, severely decomposed and mutilated.
  • Medical examiner identifies cause of death as multiple penetrating injuries from a sharp object.

  "The medical examiner... was allowed to release a report determining that this was a homicide, specifically noting that Celeste died by multiple penetrating injuries caused by an object."
  — Matt Gutman (02:47)

Timeline of the Investigation

• Celeste’s Disappearance & Discovery (04:18–05:09)

  • Reported missing April 2024. History of running away.
  • Body found September 2025 in a Hollywood tow lot in Burke’s registered car.

• Delay in Charges (05:37)

  • Despite early suspicion on Burke (due to car registration), DA delayed formal charges—partly to protect witnesses and evidence due to the case’s high profile.

Evidence and Disclosure Controversy

• Withholding Medical Examiner's Report (06:24)

  • LAPD and DA delayed release of cause of death; Medical Examiner publicly criticizes lack of transparency.

  “It is unfathomable that they've had to wait. The family's had to wait this long to learn what happened to their daughter... The transparency of the information contained in our findings and reports is essential for empowering the community...”
  — Chief Medical Examiner (Quoted by Gutman, 06:24)

• Details revealed: Two torso wounds, one to upper abdomen, and post-mortem mutilation.

Celeste’s Family

• Family's Reaction

  • New findings cause profound pain. Family chooses not to attend the current preliminary hearing due to trauma (08:05).

• Family’s Statement (20:20)

  • Publicly emphasizes Celeste’s spirit: "Celeste was a beautiful, strong girl who loved to sing and dance... We love her very much... We miss her deeply. All we want is justice for Celeste."

D4vd’s Public Persona and Relationship with Celeste

• Musical Career (10:20–11:02)

  • Burke is a highly recognized talent with global success, billions of streams, 3.6 million TikTok followers, and collaborations (e.g., Fortnite anthem).
  • His music videos and songs such as “Romantic Homicide” and “Celeste” retrospectively garner public scrutiny.

  "He claims he got into creating original music as a way to avoid copyright claims when soundtracking his montages, which is very, very interesting and indicative of this young man's talent."
  — Matt Gutman (11:02)

• Relationship Details (12:34)

  • Publicly known relationship; both had matching “shh” tattoos.
  • Court documents state Celeste lived with Burke in LA; sexual abuse allegedly began when she was 13.

  “Celeste's brother told NBCLA that when she disappeared, she was on her way to see a movie with David. And court documents say that she lived with David in Los Angeles.”
  — Matt Gutman (13:03)

• Investigation Timing (13:48)

  • No indication LE authorities were investigating sexual abuse before Celeste’s death; relationship specifics emerged during homicide investigation.

Special Circumstances and Legal Stakes

• Severity of Charges (15:00)

  • Special circumstances elevate first-degree murder: Possible life without parole or (rarely in California) the death penalty.

• Nature of Special Circumstances (15:31)

  • Murder of a witness, murder for financial gain, and lying in wait.
  • DA alleges Burke killed Celeste to protect his career and prevent her disclosing their illicit relationship.

  "The financial gain was for Mr. Burke to maintain his very lucrative musical career that Celeste was threatening on that particular night."
  — DA Nathan Hockman (15:59)

• Lying in Wait/ Premeditation (17:48)

  • DA claims Burke lured Celeste to his home with intent to kill her.

  “We will prove beyond a reasonable doubt in a courtroom that the first-degree murder charge, which requires premeditation... occurred on the night in which the individual known as David murdered Celeste.”
  — DA Nathan Hockman (18:21)

Legal Maneuvering at Preliminary Hearing

• Defense Tactics & Judge’s Ruling (19:06, 19:55)
  • Defense requests expedited hearing, challenging prosecution to present solid evidence immediately.
  • Judge denies bail; prosecution emphasizes the vast amount of evidence ("40 terabytes").
  • Child pornography reportedly discovered on Burke’s iPhone; defense secures a continuance for more preparation.

Impact and Ongoing Developments

• Celeste’s Family Privacy

  • Family remains private, overwhelmed by the ordeal, communicating only through prepared statements (20:20).

• Case Outlook (21:24)

  • Case is expected to remain in headlines for a long time due to its severity, complexity, and public attention.

  "It's just beyond imagination. So, yeah, this is a very dark case and it's probably going to take some time to play out and it will be in the headlines from now until, I assume long after this case is completely wrapped up."
  — Matt Gutman (21:24)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “A parent's nightmare... significant physical, forensic and digital evidence tying David to the crime.”
  — Natalie Morales, referencing DA's statement (01:31)
• “The transparency of the information contained in our findings and reports is essential… This is the public's right to know.”
  — Chief Medical Examiner (06:24)
• “The financial gain was for Mr. Burke to maintain his very lucrative musical career that Celeste was threatening on that particular night.”
  — DA Nathan Hockman (15:59)
• “Her parents released the first statement since the arrest… All we want is justice for Celeste.”
  — Matt Gutman reading Celeste’s family’s statement (20:20)
• “This is a very dark case… it will be in the headlines from now until… long after this case is completely wrapped up.”
  — Matt Gutman (21:24)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 01:12 – Announcement of charges, DA’s press conference excerpt
• 02:47 – Legal status update; explanation of preliminary hearing and charges
• 04:18 – Details of Celeste’s disappearance and recovery of her body
• 06:24 – Medical Examiner's statement and controversy over evidence disclosure
• 10:20–11:02 – D4vd’s rise to fame, music career context
• 12:34 – Relationship history and matching tattoos
• 13:03–13:48 – Celeste’s family’s knowledge of the relationship; timing of sexual abuse allegation investigations
• 15:00–15:59 – Explication of special circumstances and specific legal charges
• 17:48–18:21 – Excerpts from DA Hockman regarding “lying in wait” and premeditation evidence
• 19:06–19:55 – Legal strategies at the preliminary hearing; bail discussion; evidence (including discovery of child pornography)
• 20:20 – Matt Gutman reads Celeste’s family statement

Final Notes

This episode provides an in-depth, sensitive look at a tragic and deeply disturbing case at the intersection of stardom and violence. The reporting highlights the complexity of legal strategy, the controversy over information transparency, and the profound effect on those left grieving. As evidence continues to surface, "Case by Case" promises ongoing coverage as this story develops.