Singer D4vd Charged with Murder and Dismemberment of 14-Year-Old Girl

Key facts

• David Anthony Burke, known as D4vd, is charged with first-degree murder, lewd acts with a minor under 14, and mutilating a dead body.
• The body of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez was found dismembered in two bags in the trunk of Burke's Tesla in September 2024.
• Prosecutors say Burke met the victim when she was 11 and began sexually abusing her at age 13.
• Burke allegedly stabbed Hernandez multiple times after she threatened to expose their relationship.
• He purchased two chainsaws, an inflatable pool, a body bag, and a shovel online using a fake name after the killing.
• Burke has pleaded not guilty; his attorneys say they will 'vigorously defend' him.
• A preliminary hearing is set for May 26, 2025, to determine if the case goes to trial.

The Discovery of a Dismembered Body

In September 2024, the decomposed body of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez was found cut into pieces and sealed in two bags inside the trunk of a Tesla SUV registered to David Anthony Burke. The vehicle had been towed from the Hollywood Hills and was apparently abandoned. The grisly discovery set off a chain of events that would lead to the arrest of Burke, a 21-year-old singer-songwriter known professionally as D4vd. Authorities say the body had been there for some time before it was discovered. The Tesla had been impounded, and during an inventory search, officers made the horrific find. Burke was taken into custody shortly thereafter.

Prosecutors Detail a Calculated Murder

In a court filing released on Wednesday, prosecutors outlined a chilling narrative. They allege that on April 23, 2025, Burke stabbed Hernandez multiple times at his home after she threatened to expose their illegal relationship. According to the filing, Hernandez had sent text messages expressing jealousy over Burke's relationships with other women and threatened to 'disclose damaging information' that would end his career. Prosecutors say Burke then took steps to cover up the crime. He allegedly ordered an Uber for Hernandez to bring her to his home, then texted her multiple times asking where she was — messages prosecutors believe were part of a ruse to conceal his involvement. After the killing, they say he used a fake name to purchase two chainsaws, an inflatable blue pool, a body bag, and a shovel online. He also bought a 'burn cage' and made plans to incinerate evidence, according to the filing.

The Relationship and Its Dark Turn

Prosecutors allege that Burke met Hernandez when she was 11 and began sexually abusing her when she was 13, at which point he was 18. The relationship was kept secret, but text messages obtained by investigators reveal its nature, including child sexual abuse images found on Burke's phone. Hernandez, feeling jealous of Burke's other relationships, threatened to expose the illicit affair, which prosecutors say motivated the murder. The court filing states that Burke 'stood by while she bled out' after stabbing her multiple times. The evidence includes DNA from Hernandez found in Burke's garage, where prosecutors say he used the inflatable pool to dismember her body.

Burke's Legal Team Vows Vigorous Defense

David Anthony Burke has pleaded not guilty to all charges. His attorneys have maintained his innocence, stating in a court filing that they 'will vigorously defend David's innocence' and believe the 'evidence will show that David did not kill Celeste.' They have argued against the public release of the evidence filing, though it was ultimately unsealed. Burke appeared in court on Wednesday wearing an orange Los Angeles County jail jumpsuit and shackles. He spoke only to answer 'yes, your honour' when the judge asked if he consented to delaying his preliminary hearing until late May. The hearing, set to begin on May 26, will function much like a trial, with prosecutors presenting evidence over approximately five days. A judge will then decide whether the case should proceed to trial.

From Online Sensation to Accused Killer

D4vd rose to fame as a teenager, his music becoming an online phenomenon before he transitioned to more traditional success. He performed at major events, including the Coachella music festival in April 2025 and the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland in July 2024. His career was on an upward trajectory when the allegations surfaced. The case has shocked fans and the music industry alike. Burke's transformation from a rising star to an accused murderer has drawn intense media scrutiny. The preliminary hearing will be a critical juncture, determining whether the evidence is sufficient to bring him to trial on charges that could result in life imprisonment.

What Comes Next

The preliminary hearing scheduled for May 26 will be a pivotal moment. Prosecutors will present their evidence, including text messages, purchase records, and DNA findings, to convince the judge that Burke should stand trial. If the judge finds probable cause, the case will proceed to a trial where a jury will decide his fate. Burke remains in custody without bail. His legal team is expected to challenge the evidence, particularly the chain of custody and the interpretation of text messages. The case has also raised questions about the exploitation of minors and the responsibilities of adults in positions of influence. For now, the music world watches as a young artist's life and career hang in the balance.

The bottom line

• David Anthony Burke, known as D4vd, faces charges of murder, sexual abuse, and mutilation of a corpse in the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
• The victim's dismembered body was found in the trunk of Burke's Tesla in September 2024.
• Prosecutors allege Burke began sexually abusing Hernandez when she was 13 and killed her after she threatened to expose their relationship.
• Burke purchased chainsaws and other tools to dismember the body, and planned to incinerate evidence.
• Burke has pleaded not guilty; his attorneys assert his innocence.
• A preliminary hearing in May 2025 will determine if the case goes to trial.