Full Breakdown
Singer D4vd Accused of Murder, Dismemberment and Cover-up of Teen Celeste Rivas Hernandez
5/1/2026, 1:26:01 AM
Alleged Murder and Cover-up
Los Angeles County prosecutors allege that David Anthony Burke—known professionally as the singer D4vd—killed 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez on April 23 2025 after she threatened to expose their sexual relationship. According to the filing, Burke stabbed the teen multiple times, left her to bleed out, and then used two chainsaws to dismember her in his Hollywood Hills garage. He allegedly placed the remains in a blue inflatable pool, transferred them to a body bag and a garbage bag, and stored the bags in the front trunk of his Tesla, where they were discovered in September 2025. Burke faces charges of first-degree murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child, and unlawful mutilation of human remains.
Background & Context
The relationship began when Celeste was 11 years old in 2022; sexual activity allegedly started in November 2023 when she was 13 and Burke was 18. Celeste was reported missing by her family in February 2024 and again in April 2024. Riverside County sheriff’s deputies contacted Burke, who claimed he had met her only once and did not know her age. After her parents confiscated her phone, Burke allegedly paid a classmate $1,000 for a replacement device so the pair could continue communicating. Throughout 2024 they spent weekends together and traveled to Las Vegas, London and Texas. On April 22 2025 Celeste reportedly texted that she would “destroy his life” by revealing their relationship.
Key Figures & Groups
- David Anthony Burke / D4vd – accused singer.
- Celeste Rivas Hernandez – victim.
- Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office (Nathan Hochman) – prosecuting authority.
- Blair Berk – defense attorney for Burke.
- Jim McDonnell – Los Angeles Police Chief.
- Neama Rahmani – former federal prosecutor providing legal analysis.
- Riverside County Sheriff’s Office – early investigators.
Timeline
- 2022 – First meeting (Celeste 11).
- Nov 2023 – Sexual relationship begins (Celeste 13, Burke 18).
- Feb 17 2024 – Sheriff’s Office contacts Burke after phone-record review.
- Feb 2024 – First missing-person report; parents confiscate phone.
- Apr 2024 – Second missing-person report.
- Apr 22 2025 – Threatening text from Celeste.
- Apr 23 2025, 8:40 p.m. – Uber picks Celeste up from Lake Elsinore; she arrives at Burke’s home ~10:10 p.m.
- Apr 23 2025, 10:30 p.m. – Burke texts “where are you?” (prosecutors say victim already dead).
- Apr 24 2025 – Additional texts; alleged cover-up planning.
- Apr 25 2025 – Release of Burke’s debut album “Withered.”
- Sep 8 2025 – Dismembered remains found in Tesla trunk.
- Jul 29 2025 – Last recorded drive of the Tesla before Burke’s tour.
- Apr 16 2026 – Burke arrested; pleads not guilty.
- May 26 2026 – Preliminary hearing scheduled.
Data & Statistics
- Victim age: 14; suspect age: 21.
- Charges: seven counts (including murder, continuous sexual abuse, lewd acts, mutilation).
- Digital evidence: ? 40 terabytes of child sexual-abuse material seized.
- Tools purchased: 2 chainsaws, a shovel, a body bag, heavy-duty laundry bags, a blue inflatable pool, a “burn cage.”
- DNA from bloodstains in Burke’s garage matched Celeste’s profile.
Why It Matters
The case sits at the intersection of celebrity culture, child sexual abuse, and violent crime, prompting debate over how fame may enable predatory behavior. Prosecutors rely on extensive digital forensics and forensic-science links (DNA, pool-fragment matches). The outcome could shape future handling of high-profile abuse allegations and set precedents for evidence preservation in cases involving public figures.
Official Statements & Responses
District Attorney Nathan Hochman described the filing as a “roadmap for the evidence” ahead of the preliminary hearing. Defense attorney Blair Berk called the filing “one-sided” and “replete with hearsay,” seeking to seal portions. Police Chief Jim McDonnell stressed that “this is not entertainment” and that evidence will be preserved for trial. Former prosecutor Neama Rahmani noted that the mutilation charge is the least serious, suggesting the defense may focus on that to avoid murder and sex-crime convictions.
Criticism & Opposition
Burke’s counsel maintains his innocence, arguing that the prosecution’s narrative rests on speculative interpretations of texts and forensic matches. The defense has sought to limit pre-trial publicity, warning that extensive media coverage could prejudice a jury. Legal analysts point to the difficulty of proving intent given the alleged “premeditated plan” outlined in the filing.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Prosecutors assert stabbing as the cause of death; former prosecutor Rahmani speculated the defense might argue an accidental overdose, though the autopsy confirms multiple penetrating injuries. The victim’s amputated fingers—allegedly removed because one bore Burke’s name—have not been recovered, leaving a physical-evidence gap.
Verbatim Quotes
- “will show that David Burke did not murder Celeste Rivas Hernandez and he was not the cause of her death,” — Blair Berk, defense attorney
- “She became extremely upset and threatened to disclose damaging information about her relationship with defendant to end his career and destroy his life,” — Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office
- “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,” — Prosecutors (filing)
- “Defendant took horrifying measures to destroy and discard the victim’s body,” — Prosecutors (filing)
- “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
- “Celeste was a beautiful, strong girl who loved to sing and dance. Every Friday night was movie night and we spent wonderful times together. 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.” — Rivas Hernandez family
What’s Next
The May 26 2026 preliminary hearing will determine whether the case proceeds to trial. Prosecutors plan to present DNA, digital communications, and the purchased tools as evidence. The defense is expected to challenge the admissibility of the filing’s narrative and highlight gaps such as the missing fingers. If the case moves forward, the trial could extend into 2027, sustaining intense media and public scrutiny.
