Full Breakdown
Alleged Murder and Dismemberment of Celeste Rivas Hernandez by Singer D4vd
5/2/2026, 6:30:49 AM
Alleged Murder and Dismemberment
Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office charged David Anthony Burke (stage name D4vd) with first-degree murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains. Prosecutors allege Burke stabbed 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez on April 23, 2025, at his Hollywood Hills rental, let her bleed, then used chainsaws and an inflatable pool to dismember her, removed two fingers to erase a tattoo, stored the remains in a freezer, and placed them in the trunk of his Tesla, where they were found on September 8, 2025.
Background
Burke met Celeste at age 11 in January 2022; a sexual relationship allegedly began when she was 13 in November 2023. She was reported missing multiple times in 2024. In April 2025, after a heated argument over Burke’s other relationships, she threatened to expose the relationship, which prosecutors cite as the motive.
Timeline
- Jan 2022: First meeting.
- Apr 23, 2025: Alleged stabbing.
- Sep 8, 2025: Remains found in Tesla.
- Apr 20, 2026: Arrest.
- May 26, 2026: Preliminary hearing.
Charges & Forensic Evidence
Burke is charged with first-degree murder with special circumstances (lying in wait, financial gain, murder of a witness), continuous sexual abuse of a minor, and unlawful mutilation of remains. Prosecutors say he bought a shovel, two chainsaws, a body bag, heavy-duty laundry bags, an inflatable pool and a “burn cage.” Blue-pool fragments matched the pool, victim DNA was found in his garage, two fingers were missing, and the autopsy noted multiple penetrating stab wounds.
Official Statements
District Attorney Nathan Hochman said the motive was to silence the victim before she could expose the relationship. Attorney Patrick Steinfeld described the family’s “indescribable pain.” Defense attorney Blair Berk asserts Burke “was not the cause of the girl’s death.”
Defense Criticism
Burke’s lawyers argue the nine-page briefing is “entirely one-sided” and could prejudice jurors, requesting it be sealed.
Conflicting Reports
The death certificate now lists Celeste’s pregnancy status as “unknown” (previously “not pregnant”), and two fingers remain missing, cut to erase a tattoo.
Verbatim Quotes
- “There are no words to express the indescribable pain the family is experiencing right now,” — Patrick Steinfeld, Attorney
- “When she threatened to expose his criminal conduct and devastate his musical career, Burke allegedly murdered her, cut up her body, and placed her remains in his vehicle.” — Nathan Hochman, District Attorney
- “I never had any contact with this guy, and we haven’t received any money from him or anyone in his family,” — Jesus Rivas, Father
Why It Matters
The case highlights challenges of prosecuting sexual exploitation by public figures, potential death-penalty use, and forensic handling of dismembered remains.
What’s Next
A preliminary hearing on May 26, 2026 will decide whether the case proceeds to trial. The district attorney will later determine whether to seek the death penalty.
