LAPD Chief Responds to Misleading Social Media Theories in D4vd Murder Case

LAPD Chief Addresses D4vd Case Following Murder Charges

LOS ANGELES – LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell provided insights into the ongoing investigation surrounding singer D4vd, who has been charged with the murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. McDonnell’s comments came during an appearance on Good Day LA, shortly after the murder charges were announced.

In the briefing, McDonnell clarified misconceptions surrounding the condition of Rivas’s remains, calling social media theories "so far off the mark." He acknowledged concerns regarding the year-long gap between the discovery of the body and the filing of charges, noting that forensic challenges, including the condition of the remains and the time required for toxicology reports, contributed to the delay.

Despite the notoriety of D4vd’s song "Romantic Homicide," McDonnell declined to speculate on whether the lyrics would be considered as evidence in the forthcoming trial.

"Our thoughts go out to the family for what they’ve had to endure, the family of Miss Rivas," McDonnell expressed. He highlighted the horror of the family’s experience over the past year, although he stated that he has not met them personally, emphasizing that LAPD detectives have maintained close contact.

Family Statement and Investigation Timeline

The family of Celeste Rivas Hernandez issued a statement through their attorney, Patrick Steinfeld, expressing gratitude towards the LAPD and the District Attorney’s Office for their efforts. They fondly remembered Rivas as a "beautiful, strong girl who loved to sing and dance."

In addressing public frustration over the timeline of the case, McDonnell elaborated on the forensic difficulties investigators encountered. He explained that the degraded state of Rivas’s body complicated the ability to determine the cause and manner of death. He stated, “Toxicology has to be done…and that takes up to six months to get the results back,” adding that it takes time to create a comprehensive understanding of the situation.

Public Speculation and Evidence Considerations

McDonnell criticized the rampant speculation on social media, which he noted was particularly distressing to the victim’s family. "The family, while it may be entertainment for some, is certainly not for them," he stated, underscoring the serious nature of the case and the detectives’ hard work under challenging circumstances.

One of the most contentious questions is whether D4vd’s song lyrics will be used against him in court. In 2022, California passed the Decriminalization of Artistic Expression Act, which restricts the use of artistic works as evidence unless they meet a substantial legal threshold. When asked if the lyrics would feature in the prosecution’s case, McDonnell remained cautious, stating, "We’ll see how it plays itself out."

Timeline of Events

• April 5, 2024: Celeste Rivas Hernandez is reported missing from her Lake Elsinore home.
• April 23, 2025: Prosecutors claim Hernandez was last known to be alive at Burke’s Hollywood Hills residence.
• September 8, 2025: Hernandez’s remains are found in the trunk of a Tesla registered to Burke.
• November 24, 2025: LAPD places a security hold on the medical examiner’s findings.
• April 17, 2026: Burke is arrested in connection with the murder.
• April 20, 2026: Burke is officially charged and pleads not guilty.

Defense Response

Burke’s legal team released a statement asserting his innocence, emphasizing that he was only detained under suspicion, with no formal indictment issued by a grand jury. They vowed to defend Burke vigorously.

The case is expected to evolve as more details emerge, with the public and the family of Celeste Rivas Hernandez remaining closely invested in its developments.