D4vd Charged in Dismemberment Death of Teenager

Platinum-selling singer D4vd, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, is accused of fatally stabbing 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez and dismembering her body, Los Angeles prosecutors allege. The case has drawn national attention, revealing disturbing details about the alleged crime and the subsequent attempts to conceal the evidence.

Details of the Alleged Crime

According to a preliminary hearing brief filed by Los Angeles prosecutors and released on April 29, 2026, Burke allegedly stabbed Rivas Hernandez multiple times at his Hollywood Hills home on April 23, 2025. Prosecutors claim he then dismembered her body in his garage using a chainsaw, specifically in a blue inflatable kiddie pool Rolling Stone.

The brief further alleges that Burke stored the remains in the front trunk of his Tesla and misled friends who noticed a “strong smell of decay” emanating from his vehicle and home. Surveillance video reportedly shows Burke driving the Tesla on July 29, 2025, before parking it near his rental house and departing on a concert tour Rolling Stone. The vehicle was later towed and impounded on September 8, 2025, leading to the discovery of Rivas Hernandez’s remains Rolling Stone.

Prior Relationship and Motive

Prosecutors allege Burke first met Rivas Hernandez when she was 11 years traditional and began sexually abusing her when she was 13 and he was 18 The Independent. The filing suggests Burke killed Rivas Hernandez after she threatened to expose their relationship, fearing it would ruin his music career The Independent. Text messages from April 22, 2025, the day before Rivas Hernandez’s phone activity ceased, reportedly show communication between the two The Independent. Investigators also found child sexual abuse images of her on Burke’s phone The Independent.

Legal Proceedings

Burke has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and other charges The Independent. His lawyer, Blair Berk, argued that the prosecution’s evidence brief was “one-sided” and could prejudice potential jurors. Berk requested the brief be sealed, but Judge Charlaine Olmedo denied the request, agreeing only to postpone Burke’s preliminary hearing from May 1 to May 26, 2026, at the defense’s request Rolling Stone.

Key Takeaways

• D4vd is accused of stabbing and dismembering 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
• Prosecutors allege Burke attempted to conceal the body in his Tesla.
• The case involves allegations of a prior sexual relationship and a motive related to protecting Burke’s career.
• Burke has pleaded not guilty, and the preliminary hearing has been postponed.