Full Breakdown
Singer D4vd Faces Murder, Sexual-Abuse and Dismemberment Charges in Death of 14-Year-Old Celeste Rivas Hernandez
4/24/2026, 7:58:26 PM
Preliminary Evidentiary Hearing and Charges
Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo scheduled a four-to-five-day preliminary evidentiary hearing to begin May 1. The hearing will determine whether probable cause exists to move David Anthony Burke—known professionally as D4vd—to trial. Burke, 21, has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of a dead body. The district attorney’s office added “special circumstances” of lying in wait, financial gain and murder of a witness, which could expose Burke to life without parole or the death penalty.
Case Background and Timeline
- Sept 2023: Prosecutors allege the first sexual act with Celeste Rivas Hernandez, then 13.
- Apr 2024: Rivas Hernandez reported missing by her family in Lake Elsinore.
- Apr 23 2025: Last known alive; police say she entered Burke’s Hollywood Hills home.
- Sept 8 2025: Dismembered remains discovered in two bags inside the trunk of a Tesla registered to Burke.
- Apr 22 2026: Los Angeles County Medical Examiner releases autopsy report.
- May 1 2026: Scheduled preliminary hearing.
Digital Forensics and Child-Sex-Abuse Material
Deputy District Attorney Beth Silverman disclosed that investigators have amassed more than 40 terabytes of digital evidence, including 8 terabytes of iCloud data, of which roughly 1 terabyte has been downloaded. She described the content as a “significant amount” of child-sex-abuse images. The prosecution also cited 20–30 terabytes of raw data from phones, computers and tablets, and a wiretap on Burke’s communications.
Autopsy Findings
The medical examiner determined the cause of death to be “multiple penetrating injuries” to the torso. One wound pierced the right abdomen and damaged the liver; a second wound entered the left chest, injuring ribs. The body was heavily decomposed and dismembered, with missing fingers and plastic fragments embedded in cut surfaces. Toxicology indicated presumptive positives for benzodiazepines and methamphetamine/MDMA. No weapon was recovered, and investigators could not definitively link the injuries to a specific instrument.
Official Statements & Responses
- Prosecution: Silverman said the evidence is “voluminous” and that the department is “ready” for the expedited hearing, while noting that child-pornography material cannot be turned over publicly.
- District Attorney Nathan Hochman: Described the case as “a parent’s nightmare” and warned that a conviction could carry the death penalty.
- Defense: Lead attorney Blair Berk asserted that “the actual evidence will show David Burke did not murder Celeste Rivas Hernandez.”
- Family: Attorney Patrick Steinfeld released a statement reading, “All we want is justice for Celeste.”
Criticism & Opposition
Lake Elsinore residents and local officials have criticized the Los Angeles Police Department for limited public updates and for conducting three investigative grand juries without issuing an indictment before Burke’s arrest.
Community Memorial
Neighbor Kayleigh Cortez erected a makeshift memorial with flowers, candles and a photo of Rivas Hernandez. Store owner Elie Naddaf recalled serving the teen for years and expressed grief over her loss.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- The autopsy could not identify the weapon used.
- Prosecutors claim a strong forensic link, yet no physical evidence directly ties Burke to the wounds.
- Grand-jury findings remain sealed, leaving the public without details on testimony.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We believe the actual evidence will show David Burke did not murder Celeste Rivas Hernandez.” — Blair Berk, Defense Attorney
- “I cannot turn that type of materials over,” — Beth Silverman, Deputy District Attorney
- “A parent's nightmare is a situation when your daughter goes out one night and never comes back,” — Nathan Hochman, District Attorney
- “I don’t want her remembered as a rebellious kid or a runaway,” — Kayleigh Cortez, Neighbor
- “All we want is justice for Celeste.” — Patrick Steinfeld, Family Attorney
- “I want to be clear about something -- my duty is not to fuel speculation, it's to deliver justice,” — Jim McDonnell, LAPD Chief
What’s Next
The May 1 hearing will assess whether the prosecution’s evidence satisfies the probable-cause standard. If the judge finds cause, the case will advance toward trial, and the district attorney will later decide whether to seek the death penalty. Both sides continue to negotiate the transfer of the massive digital evidence cache to the defense.
