David Anthony Burke faces murder charges after 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez was found dismembered in his Tesla.
David Anthony Burke, a 21-year-old singer known as d4vd, is facing first-degree murder charges following the gruesome discovery of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Prosecutors presented graphic evidence during a preliminary hearing in Los Angeles, revealing that Burke allegedly killed Rivas Hernandez after she threatened to expose their illegal sexual relationship and ruin his multi-million-dollar music career. The prosecution alleges that Burke stabbed Rivas Hernandez to death in April 2025 and subsequently used chainsaws to dismember her body in a blue inflatable pool to conceal the crime. Her remains were eventually discovered in an advanced state of decomposition inside the trunk of his Tesla in September 2025. Burke has pleaded not guilty to charges including murder, sexual abuse of a child, and mutilating human remains. While Burke’s defense team maintains his innocence, the prosecution argues the evidence—including surveillance video, text messages, and specific purchases like body bags—makes a compelling case for his guilt.
Sources
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Gruesome images in D4vd hearing are 'worst nightmare' for Celeste Rivas Hernandez's family
BBC
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D4vd murder hearing begins in Los Angeles
Yahoo
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D4vd murder case: Dayslong preliminary hearing begins for singer in killing of Celeste Rivas Hernandez
ABC7 Los Angeles
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D4vd murder case: Inside the final hours of Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s brief life
CNN