On Monday, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office formally charged 21-year-old musician David “D4vd” Burke in connection with the homicide of Celeste Rivas. The charges come seven months after Rivas’ remains were discovered in the trunk of a vehicle registered to the performer. During a press briefing, District Attorney Nathan Hochman confirmed that authorities are pursuing three counts against Burke, including first-degree murder and the killing of a witness to an ongoing investigation.
D4vd rose to prominence within the video game and anime subcultures, initially gaining traction by producing atmospheric music for Fortnite montages. He frequently framed his career around the concept of a “Fortnite artist,” often appearing in his own music videos as a mysterious, masked figure within a self-contained cinematic universe. His distinct aesthetic and lyrical style—which often drew inspiration from anime and major franchises like Kingdom Hearts—solidified his status as a digital-native star. His professional trajectory reached new heights in 2025 when Epic Games designated one of his tracks as the official Fortnite anthem. Beyond his music, Burke became a mainstay in online entertainment, featuring prominent Twitch streamers in his projects and making appearances at major industry events like The Game Awards and the Crunchyroll Awards.
According to prosecutors, the motive for the crime was financial. District Attorney Hochman noted that the victim, Rivas, was a minor who had been involved in an alleged sexual relationship with Burke. Police Chief Jim McDonnell added that the state of the remains significantly hindered forensic recovery, contributing to the substantial delay between the discovery of the body and the formal filing of charges. Investigators relied on a rigorous analysis of both digital footprints and forensic evidence to build their case, with an official coroner’s report expected to be released publicly in the near future.
The discovery occurred in September 2025, when the 13-year-old’s body was found in a vehicle abandoned in an impound lot after reports of a foul odor. Rivas had been reported missing for over a year prior to the discovery. Public records and media reports indicate the two had been seen together at live concerts and on various livestreams, with claims emerging that they shared matching tattoos. The disturbing nature of the allegations has sparked intense public interest, further fueled by scrutiny of Burke’s somber discography, which some observers now analyze through the lens of his alleged criminal activities.
Legal representatives for Burke have signaled their intent to contest the charges, stating that evidence will ultimately demonstrate the artist’s lack of involvement in Rivas’ death and pledging to mount a vigorous defense. Meanwhile, Celeste Rivas’ father, Jesus Rivas, expressed a sense of relief following the arrest, telling the New York Times that he viewed the development as a step toward justice for his daughter.
Burke remains in police custody without the option of bail. While D4vd-themed content and emotes remain accessible within Fortnite, Epic Games has removed these items from the in-game store since the investigation became public. The company has yet to provide an official statement regarding the situation.
Source: Polygon
