In a shocking revelation, prosecutors disclosed on Wednesday that singer D4vd is accused of fatally stabbing 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office detailed in a court filing the alleged sequence of events involving the dismemberment of Rivas Hernandez’s body and the disposal of evidence.
According to the court document, D4vd, also known as David Anthony Burke, reportedly initiated a sexual relationship with Rivas Hernandez when she was 13 and he was 18. The filing claims that D4vd murdered Rivas Hernandez after she threatened to expose their inappropriate relationship, fearing it could harm his music career.
The tragic discovery of Rivas Hernandez’s decomposing body was made inside a Tesla vehicle towed from the Hollywood Hills in September of the previous year. Prosecutors uncovered incriminating text messages exchanged between the victim and D4vd the night before her disappearance, suggesting a tumultuous relationship marked by jealousy and threats.
Further investigations revealed that Burke purchased chainsaws online to dismember Rivas Hernandez’s body in his garage, where traces of her DNA were allegedly found. The prosecution described the gruesome lengths to which D4vd went to conceal the crime, including destroying and disposing of the victim’s remains.
The autopsy report indicated that Rivas Hernandez succumbed to penetrating wounds, shedding light on the manner of her death. The document also outlined how the victim’s parents reported her missing in February 2024, leading to a series of events that ultimately unraveled the tragic chain of events.
Despite the charges brought against him, D4vd has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and related offenses. His defense team sought to seal the court document but was unsuccessful in their request during a recent hearing. The lawyers representing Burke maintained his innocence in the case.
For individuals facing immediate danger or seeking assistance regarding family or intimate partner violence, reaching out to crisis lines and local support services is recommended to ensure safety and support.