Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Singer D4vd Sued in Teen’s Murder, Chainsaw Dismemberment

9/9/2026

14 1 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

U.S. singer David Anthony Burke (D4vd) is sued for Celeste Rivas’s wrongful death.
Prosecutors allege Burke began a sexual relationship with Rivas at age 13 in November 2023.
They claim he stabbed Rivas on April 23, 2025, then dismembered her with a chainsaw.
Rivas’s remains were discovered in the front trunk of Burke’s Tesla Model X on September 8, 2025.
Rivas’s parents urge District Attorney Nathan Hochman to seek the death penalty if convicted.

History

Historical Context

The 1995 O.J. Simpson criminal trial, an eight-month Los Angeles County case that ended with a not-guilty verdict on October 3, sparked a national debate over race, DNA evidence and celebrity influence, highlighted by a $33.5 million civil judgment. That legacy frames the 2025 indictment of David Burke, prosecuted by the district attorney and the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department, reviving scrutiny of high-profile murder prosecutions.

1 of 2

Story summary

U.S. singer David Anthony Burke (D4vd) is sued for Celeste Rivas’s wrongful death.
Prosecutors allege Burke began a sexual relationship with Rivas at age 13 in November 2023.
They claim he stabbed Rivas on April 23, 2025, then dismembered her with a chainsaw.
Rivas’s remains were discovered in the front trunk of Burke’s Tesla Model X on September 8, 2025.
Rivas’s parents urge District Attorney Nathan Hochman to seek the death penalty if convicted.

1 / 2