Rising Musician D4vd Charged with Capital Murder as Prosecutors Allege Financial Motive in Teen Slaying

Prosecutors allege musician D4vd killed a 14-year-old girl to protect his career and financial interests. Read the latest on the first-degree murder charges.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 24, 2026, 5:55 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Showbiz Cheat Sheet

Disturbing Allegations Surface in High Profile Homicide Case

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office has officially transitioned from a monthslong investigation into a formal capital murder prosecution against the artist known as D4vd. During a detailed press conference, District Attorney Nathan Hochman outlined a grim series of charges including first-degree murder with special circumstances, lewd acts with a minor, and the mutilation of a human body. The legal proceedings follow the discovery of the victim, Celeste Rivas Hernandez, within the trunk of the defendant’s vehicle seven months ago. While the public has closely followed the investigation since the initial discovery, the formal filing marks a significant escalation in a case that has captivated the music industry and the public alike.

Prosecutors Outline Financial Preservation as Primary Motive

In a rare move prior to trial, District Attorney Hochman detailed the specific rationale investigators believe fueled the violent act. According to the prosecution, D4vd viewed the 14-year-old victim as a direct threat to his burgeoning professional success and future financial earnings. The state theorizes that the singer, fearful that their illegal relationship would be exposed and subsequently destroy his career, orchestrated a plan to permanently silence Hernandez. This alleged motivation of financial gain through the preservation of his public image is the cornerstone of the "special circumstances" that now elevate the case to a potential death penalty matter.

The Alleged Premeditated Nature of the Encounter

The state’s case rests on the belief that the encounter on April 23, 2025, was not a spontaneous tragedy but a calculated execution. Investigators allege that D4vd lured the teenager to his residence with the express intent of ending her life. This theory of premeditation is central to the first-degree murder charge, as prosecutors argue the defendant planned the act in advance to ensure his secrets remained hidden. While the District Attorney declined to provide specific evidence regarding the planning phase during the press briefing, he emphasized that the intent to kill was established well before the victim arrived at the scene.