Full Breakdown
Singer D4vd Charged with Murder and Dismemberment of 14-Year-Old Celeste Rivas Hernandez
4/30/2026, 8:35:39 AM
Alleged Crime and Prosecutorial Allegations
Los Angeles County prosecutors allege that David Anthony Burke, known professionally as D4vd, stabbed 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez multiple times on April 23 2025, then dismembered her body with two chainsaws in an inflatable pool inside his Hollywood Hills garage. The dismembered remains were placed in a body bag and a cadaver bag, loaded into the trunk of Burke’s Tesla, and discovered in September 2025. Prosecutors state the motive was to silence the victim, who threatened to reveal their sexual relationship.
Background of Relationship and Prior Interactions
Burke reportedly met Rivas when she was 11 years old and began a sexual relationship at age 13 while he was 18. After her parents reported her missing in February 2024, Riverside County deputies contacted Burke, who claimed he did not know she was a minor. When her parents confiscated her phone, Burke allegedly paid a junior-high classmate $1,000 to provide Rivas with a new phone, enabling continued communication and travel together to Las Vegas, London and Texas throughout 2024.
Timeline of Key Events
- Jan 2022: First meeting (Rivas 11).
- Nov 2023: Sexual relationship begins (Rivas 13).
- Feb 2024: First missing-person report; Burke tells deputies he met Rivas once.
- Apr 2024: Second missing-person report; Burke supplies new phone.
- Apr 22 2025: Text messages exchanged; Rivas’ phone activity ceases.
- Apr 23 2025: Alleged stabbing and initial concealment.
- Apr 24 2025: Burke gives radio interview promoting album *Withered*.
- July 29 2025: Last known drive of Tesla before tour.
- Sept 8 2025: Dismembered remains found in Tesla trunk.
- Apr 16 2026: Burke arrested; preliminary hearing set for May 26 2026.
Evidence and Forensic Findings
A search warrant uncovered DNA matching Rivas in Burke’s garage, two missing fingers (including a tattoo of his name), and fragments of a blue inflatable pool embedded in the remains. Autopsy reports list multiple penetrating wounds to the abdomen and chest as the cause of death. Prosecutors also cite over 40 terabytes of digital evidence, including child sexual-abuse material recovered from Burke’s phone and iCloud account, and purchases of chainsaws, a body bag, laundry bags, an inflatable pool and a “burn cage” ordered under a pseudonym.
Official Statements & Responses
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said the case involves “repeated lewd and lascivious sexual relations” with a minor and that the alleged murder was intended to protect Burke’s career. Police Chief Jim McDonnell emphasized that authorities are treating the case “very seriously” and are focused on preserving evidence for trial. Burke’s defense attorneys assert that the prosecution’s brief is “one-sided” and that they will demonstrate his innocence.
Criticism & Opposition
Defense counsel Blair Berk argued that the disclosed brief could prejudice a future jury. Former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani noted that “the mutilation of a corpse is the least serious” of the three charges, suggesting a strategic focus for the defense.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Knowing he had to silence the victim before she ruined his music career as she had threatened, very soon after her arrival at his home, defendant stabbed the victim to death multiple times and stood by while she bled out.” — Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office
- “Defendant took horrifying measures to destroy and discard the victim’s body,” — Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office
- “If you're looking at the three sets of charges, the mutilation of a corpse is the least serious. So, if they can somehow fall on that and avoid either the sex crimes or the murder itself, that would be a huge win for the defense,” — Neama Rahmani, former federal prosecutor
- “But, we've taken it very seriously, and our goal is to be able to preserve evidence until it gets to trial," McDonnell said.” — Jim McDonnell, Los Angeles Police Chief
- “We love her very much and she always told us that she loved us. We miss her deeply. All we want is justice for Celeste,” — Patrick Steinfeld, attorney for Rivas family
What’s Next
A preliminary hearing to determine probable cause is scheduled for May 26 2026, with a possible status conference on May 12. Prosecutors have not indicated whether they will seek the death penalty, though special-circumstance charges make it a possibility.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The prosecution attributes death to stabbing, while a former prosecutor suggests the defense may argue an accidental overdose. The defense has not publicly presented an alternative narrative, and the autopsy report was initially sealed, limiting independent verification of some forensic details.
