In a shocking turn of events, the musician known as D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, faces serious criminal charges linked to the tragic death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Burke, 21, has been accused of first-degree murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under the age of 14, and the unlawful mutilation of human remains. He has pleaded not guilty and remains in custody without bail as he awaits his trial.
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According to information disclosed by the prosecution, Burke allegedly killed Rivas Hernandez on April 23, 2025, and dismembered her body nearly two weeks later. The young girl’s remains were ultimately recovered from the trunk of Burke’s abandoned Tesla in the Hollywood Hills after police were alerted to a foul smell emanating from the vehicle. This grisly discovery was made on September 8, 2025, just one day after what would have been Rivas’ 15th birthday.
Court documents released recently detail the horrific circumstances surrounding her death. Prosecutors allege that on the night of the murder, Burke summoned Rivas to his home via Uber and then stabbed her multiple times. Disturbingly, it is claimed that he stood by as she bled out. To cover up his crime, Burke reportedly placed her body in an inflatable pool to keep the blood from staining his garage floor before using tools, including a chainsaw, to mutilate her remains. Evidence from the crime scene included plastic fragments that matched an inflatable pool Burke allegedly purchased under a false identity.
The timeframe of the incident raises pressing questions, as it has been revealed Burke was under investigation for prior sexual abuse of Rivas at the time of her death. According to the prosecution, the two had a confrontation the night before her killing, wherein Rivas threatened to disclose details about their relationship, which could jeopardise his burgeoning music career.
Interestingly, Burke released his debut album titled “Withered” just two days after the murder, prompting scrutiny from law enforcement about his actions in that timeframe. Additional investigations have surfaced troubling findings on Burke’s phone, where authorities found approximately 40 terabytes of evidence, including a significant amount of child pornography.
The severity of the charges against Burke, particularly the murder charge punctuated by the special circumstances of the case, sets him up for a maximum penalty of life without parole or potentially even the death penalty. Prosecutors have yet to announce whether they will pursue capital punishment, leaving the community and observers on edge.
Burke’s legal representation, consisting of attorneys Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski, and Regina Peter, have publicly stated their intent to mount a vigorous defence, asserting that their client “was not the cause” of Rivas’ death. As they prepare for the upcoming court proceedings, scheduled for May 12, a preliminary hearing has been set for May 26, at which Burke will face the full weight of the accusations levelled against him.
The tragic death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez has sent ripples through the local community, attracting significant media attention and raising urgent dialogues regarding child safety and the responsibilities of individuals in positions of power, such as Burke. The case continues to develop, and many are keen to see the outcome of this high-profile trial as it unfolds in the coming months.
As the case progresses through the legal system, it remains a poignant reminder of the fragility of youth and the tragic consequences that can result from abusive relationships. The investigation has confirmed a deep need for vigilance in protecting minors from exploitation and harm, a theme that resonates in ongoing discourse around child protection laws and cultural accountability.
The implications of this case extend far beyond the courtroom, calling on society to reflect deeply on the measures needed to safeguard vulnerable individuals and prevent further tragedies in the future.