Los Angeles, CA – Prosecutors have detailed shocking allegations against US singer D4vd, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, accusing him of fatally stabbing a 14-year-old girl and subsequently purchasing tools online, including chainsaws and a body bag, in an alleged attempt to dispose of her dismembered remains. The allegations surfaced in a court filing released Wednesday, outlining a motive tied to alleged threats from the victim, 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, to expose a relationship with the then 18-year-old singer. Burke has pleaded not guilty to the charges, which include murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child, and mutilation of remains.
The court filing provides a grim timeline of events, alleging that Burke stabbed Rivas Hernandez multiple times at his Hollywood Hills home on or around April 23, 2025, the day after she reportedly threatened to reveal their relationship and “destroy his life.” Prosecutors claim Burke ordered an Uber for Rivas Hernandez that day, a move they allege was part of a plan to cover up the murder. The singer’s first studio album was released on April 25, 2025, the same week her dismembered body was discovered.
Background of the Allegations
Prosecutors allege that Burke first met Rivas Hernandez when she was 11 years old and that the alleged sexual abuse began when she was 13 and he was 18. The relationship and subsequent events came to light after the teen was reported missing by her family in April 2025. Authorities had prior interactions with the singer, though the specifics remain detailed within the sealed evidence.
According to the newly released filing, text messages reveal a significant argument on April 22, 2025, concerning Burke’s relationships with other women. Rivas Hernandez allegedly sent messages threatening to expose their relationship to end his career. Prosecutors believe this threat precipitated the events leading to her death the following day.
Detailed Accusations of Cover-Up
The court document details a series of online purchases made by Burke using a fake name in the days following Rivas Hernandez’s alleged murder. These purchases reportedly included two chainsaws, an inflatable blue pool, a body bag, a shovel, and a “burn cage,” indicating an alleged plan to incinerate evidence. Prosecutors stated that surveillance footage shows Burke was the last person to drive his Tesla, the vehicle in which Rivas Hernandez’s body was found decomposing in September 2025, five months after she was last seen.
The filing alleges that Burke dismembered the teen’s remains in the garage of his Hollywood Hills home. The discovery of her body in the Tesla’s front trunk occurred while Burke was on tour. His international tour was subsequently canceled, and he largely withdrew from public life and social media.
Legal Proceedings and Defense
David Anthony Burke, known professionally as D4vd, appeared in court on Wednesday for proceedings related to the public release of the evidence filing. He wore an orange Los Angeles County jail jumpsuit and was shackled. Burke remains in custody, having pleaded not guilty to all charges filed by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office.
Attorneys for D4vd have vigorously defended his innocence, stating they believe the evidence will ultimately show he did not kill Celeste. They attempted to block the public release of the nine-page filing, expressing concern that extensive media coverage could jeopardize his right to a fair trial. “We do have a very real concern about the amount and white-hot focus and attention on this case for the last seven months and specifically in the last two weeks,” stated his lawyer, Blair Berk, to the judge.
Judge Charlaine Olmedo permitted the release of the current filing but agreed to keep other pieces of evidence sealed. Another hearing in the case is scheduled for next month, where further arguments and evidence may be presented.
Industry Impact and Future Developments
D4vd rose to prominence through TikTok with viral hits like “Romantic Homicide” and “Here With Me.” The allegations and subsequent arrest have cast a dark shadow over his burgeoning career and sent shockwaves through the music industry and among his fanbase. The case has garnered international attention since Rivas Hernandez’s family first publicly called for justice following her disappearance and the discovery of her remains.
The ongoing legal battle and the detailed allegations revealed in the court filing highlight the severe consequences of alleged criminal actions, regardless of public profile. As the case progresses, further details are expected to emerge regarding the investigation, evidence, and the defense’s strategy. The upcoming hearings will be critical in determining the next steps in this high-profile legal proceeding.
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