D4vd Allegedly Slays Celeste Rivas Hernandez to Protect His Music Career

In a chilling case, singer D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, faces first-degree murder charges for the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Prosecutors allege he stabbed her in 2025 to prevent her from revealing his criminal activities.

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman detailed in court documents that Burke killed Hernandez after she threatened to disclose his misconduct. Nearly a year post her death, Burke was arrested and charged with first-degree murder, lewd acts with a minor, and mutilation of a body.

Burke reportedly arranged for a ride-share service to bring Hernandez to his Hollywood Hills residence on April 23, 2025. "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 while she bled out," prosecutors stated.

In an attempt to conceal the crime, Burke allegedly sent texts and made calls to Hernandez, inquiring about her whereabouts despite her being deceased. Furthermore, he purchased various items under a pseudonym, including a shovel, body bag, heavy-duty laundry bags, two chainsaws, a blue inflatable pool, and a burn cage—all delivered to his home.

Prosecutors assert that the burn cage was part of Burke's strategy to destroy evidence. The inflatable pool was allegedly used to contain blood during the dismemberment process, according to the District Attorney's Office.

Burke and his legal team have categorically denied all allegations. "Let us be clear — the actual evidence in this case will show that David Burke did not murder Celeste Rivas Hernandez and he was not the cause of her death," his attorneys stated last week. They emphasized that no grand jury indictment has been issued and that Burke remains under suspicion only.

Following the release of court documents, Attorney Patrick Steinfeld expressed the difficult task of informing the Rivas Hernandez family about the disturbing allegations. He had previously encouraged them to speak publicly but noted their decision to refrain from further statements due to the ongoing gruesome revelations.

"There are no words to express the indescribable pain the family is experiencing right now," Steinfeld remarked. "They still have bills to pay and jobs they go to every day. All they want is time to grieve and heal. Please grant the Rivas Hernandez family grace and compassion."

A preliminary hearing for Burke has been scheduled for May 26, with a potential status hearing on May 12 pending confirmation. During a brief court appearance, Burke responded with just two words—"yes, ma'am"—to the judge regarding the new date. Prosecutors expressed frustration over the rescheduling, having already adjusted their calendars for the original May 1 date.

Medical examiners determined that Hernandez suffered "multiple penetrating wounds" in April 2025, months before her dismembered body was discovered in the front trunk of a Tesla registered to Burke. "For several weeks, or possibly months, defendant left the victim's body to decompose inside his Tesla," prosecutors noted in their filing.

During a recent court session, prosecutors claimed Burke possessed a "significant amount of child pornography." The attorneys for the Rivas Hernandez family declined to comment on this development.

"Celeste was just a child, under 14 years old, when David Burke allegedly engaged in repeated lewd and lascivious sexual relations with her," Hochman stated in a news release announcing the charges earlier this month. "But Burke's actions did not allegedly stop there. When she threatened to expose his criminal conduct and devastate his musical career, Burke allegedly murdered her, cut up her body and stuffed her body in two bags that were placed in the front trunk of his car."

The murder charges include special circumstances such as lying in wait and committing the crime for financial gain. If convicted as charged, Burke could face life imprisonment without parole or even the death penalty.