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It’s been 7 months since Celeste Rivas Hernandez was found dead in d4vd’s car. Why did charges take so long?

CNN's profile
Original Story by CNN
April 21, 2026
It’s been 7 months since Celeste Rivas Hernandez was found dead in d4vd’s car. Why did charges take so long?

Context:

Los Angeles prosecutors charged singer D4vd with first-degree murder in the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose dismembered body was found in the trunk of his Tesla about seven months ago. They allege the motive was financial gain tied to Hernandez allegedly threatening his lucrative music career, and cite a timeline in which she was invited to his home on April 23, 2025. The indictment includes additional counts of continuous sexual abuse involving a minor and unlawful mutilation of human remains, with extensive forensic and digital evidence, including a Twitch stream, playing a pivotal role. The case sets the stage for upcoming legal proceedings as investigators pursue the full scope of charges and circumstances surrounding the crime.

Dive Deeper:

  • The DA’s office in Los Angeles has charged D4vd with first-degree murder in the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, along with charges of continuous sexual abuse involving a minor and unlawful mutilation of human remains.

  • Prosecutors allege the motive was financial gain linked to Hernandez allegedly threatening the artist’s lucrative musical career, outlining a timeline in which she was invited to D4vd’s home on April 23, 2025.

  • Extensive forensic and digital evidence, including a Twitch stream showing D4vd with Hernandez, is cited as pivotal in mounting the charges against him.

  • Hernandez’s dismembered body was discovered in the trunk of D4vd’s Tesla about seven months prior to the charging announcement.

  • The case highlights the intersection of criminal allegations with public-facing aspects of the artist’s career, and points to complex investigative work spanning physical, digital, and testimonial records.

  • Authorities indicate that the investigation continues, with forthcoming legal proceedings expected to determine guilt or innocence and address the broader implications for safety and accountability.

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