Celeste Rivas Hernandez Had D4vd’s Name Tattooed on Her Ring Finger. Prosecutors Allege He Amputated It After Killing Her

A 21-year-old musician, known as D4vd, is embroiled in a harrowing legal battle following allegations that he murdered 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez just days before the anticipated release of his debut album. Prosecutors assert that D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, committed the crime to silence threats from the teenager regarding their illicit relationship.

The tragic events allegedly unfolded on 23 April 2025. According to court filings, D4vd is accused of severing two of Hernandez’s fingers, one of which bore a tattoo of his name. In a chilling turn of events, prosecutors claim he attempted to conceal his involvement by dismembering her body with a chainsaw before placing the remains in bags inside the trunk of his Tesla.

Months later, the vehicle was discovered by authorities after the manager of an impound lot reported a “strong smell of decay.” The car, which had been brought in July 2025, was surrounded by flies, prompting the impound staff to alert the police. A medical examination later confirmed that Hernandez suffered from multiple penetrating injuries and had been missing two fingers.

Details from the preliminary hearing suggest that one of the missing fingers had a tattoo that matched D4vd’s name, raising further suspicions about his involvement. Reports indicate that D4vd messaged Hernandez’s phone after her death in an attempt to obscure his actions. Surveillance footage allegedly corroborates his presence as the last driver of the vehicle before he went on tour.

Hernandez is described as a teenage runaway who met D4vd when she was just 11 years old and was reportedly involved in a sexual relationship with him from the age of 13. The court documents reveal that text messages exchanged between the two indicated a confrontation just prior to her death. Prosecutors allege that Hernandez, feeling threatened by D4vd’s relationships with other women, threatened to reveal their illegal affair, which could have a devastating impact on his career and personal life.

Burke was taken into custody on 16 April 2025, following an extensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding Hernandez’s death. He faced charges of first-degree murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains. If convicted, he could face the death penalty.

Since his arrest, D4vd has maintained his innocence through his legal representatives, who have stated that he “was not the cause” of Hernandez’s death. His attorneys have vowed to mount a vigorous defence, emphasizing their belief in his innocence as they prepare for his trial.

The case has garnered significant media attention, not only due to the severity of the allegations but also because of the prominent status D4vd had begun to achieve in the music industry. As the trial approaches, many are closely monitoring developments in this shocking case that intertwines themes of power, vulnerability, and the consequences of secretive relationships.

While the case continues to unfold in court, the tragic loss of Celeste Rivas Hernandez serves as a grave reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by young individuals and the potential consequences of abusive relationships. The legal proceedings are set to reveal further details regarding the timeline of events leading to this heartbreaking incident.