Prosecutors revealed on Wednesday that singer D4vd, also known as David Anthony Burke, allegedly murdered 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez by stabbing her multiple times. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office disclosed detailed allegations in a court filing, outlining the suspected attempts to dismember Rivas Hernandez’s body and conceal evidence.
According to the court document, D4vd initiated a sexual relationship with Rivas Hernandez when she was 13 years old and he was 18. The filing alleges that he killed her after she threatened to expose their inappropriate relationship, fearing it could harm his music career. Reportedly, he fatally stabbed her upon her arrival at his residence, leaving her to bleed out.
Rivas Hernandez’s decomposing body was discovered in a Tesla vehicle towed from the Hollywood Hills in September of the previous year. Text messages retrieved from their phones indicated Rivas Hernandez’s distress over D4vd’s interactions with other women, leading to a confrontation where she threatened to reveal their relationship to ruin his life.
Prosecutors stated that Burke purchased two chainsaws online to dismember Rivas Hernandez’s body in his garage, where traces of her DNA were found. The brief described the gruesome efforts made to dispose of the victim’s remains. The autopsy report mentioned fatal penetrating wounds as the cause of Rivas Hernandez’s death.
In February 2024, Rivas Hernandez was reported missing by her parents from their home in Lake Elsinore. Despite initial contact with law enforcement, Burke claimed he had minimal acquaintance with her and was unaware of her age. Subsequently, Rivas Hernandez went missing again in April 2024, spending significant time at Burke’s Hollywood Hills residence and accompanying him on trips to various locations.
Burke has pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree murder and other offenses. His legal team refuted the accusations, maintaining his innocence in Rivas Hernandez’s death. At a recent court hearing, defense attorneys attempted to seal the court document containing the allegations, but the request was denied by Superior Court Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo.
If you are in immediate danger or need assistance regarding family or intimate partner violence, please contact local support services or dial 911.
