L.A. Prosecutors Present Overwhelming Evidence Against Singer D4vd in Gruesome Murder of 14-Year-Old Celeste Rivas Hernandez

Los Angeles prosecutors have revealed plans to present substantial evidence against singer-songwriter D4vd, alleging his involvement in the first-degree murder, sexual abuse, and dismemberment of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The case, which has garnered significant attention, centers around the tragic events surrounding Hernandez’s death in 2025.

Investigation Timeline and Arrest

The Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office has been investigating the circumstances of Hernandez’s death for several months. On April 16, 2025, D4vd, whose real name is David Burke, was arrested following the discovery of the teenager’s dismembered remains. These remains were found in a suitcase inside a Tesla abandoned at an impound lot in Los Angeles. Burke has pleaded not guilty to charges including first-degree murder, lewd acts with a minor, and mutilation of a corpse.

Upcoming Hearing

Beginning May 26, prosecutors will present their findings at a public hearing expected to last five days. This hearing will resemble a condensed trial, allowing a judge to determine whether the case should proceed to trial. The evidence is anticipated to include text messages, an autopsy report, and other materials that prosecutors claim demonstrate Burke’s guilt.

Relationship and Allegations

According to the District Attorney’s Office, evidence indicates that Burke began sexually abusing Hernandez when she was 13, while he was 18. Their relationship allegedly continued until her death on April 25, 2025. Prosecutors have stated that Burke’s phone contained child sexual abuse imagery, further complicating the case.

The relationship reportedly soured when Hernandez expressed jealousy over Burke’s interactions with other girls and threatened to expose him. Prosecutors allege that Burke, fearing for his music career, killed Hernandez shortly after her arrival at his home.

Details of the Crime

Following the alleged murder, Burke is accused of taking extreme measures to conceal the crime. He reportedly purchased two chainsaws and dismembered Hernandez’s body in an inflatable pool in his garage on May 5, 2025. DNA evidence was later found in the garage, and Burke is said to have traveled to Santa Barbara County to dispose of evidence, returning to Los Angeles on April 24, 2025. Notably, he participated in a radio interview promoting his upcoming album, Withered, shortly after returning.

Hernandez was missing for nearly 18 months before her remains were discovered on September 8, 2025. Her mother identified her by a tattoo on her right index finger that read “Shhh…”. The body was found in two bags in the trunk of a Tesla SUV registered in Burke’s name.

Medical Examination Findings

The Los Angeles Medical Examiner’s report, which had been kept confidential at the request of the LAPD, was unsealed by a judge this week. The examination revealed two penetrating wounds to the torso, suggesting sharp-force injuries that penetrated Hernandez’s liver and ribs.

Family’s Statement

Hernandez’s parents, who lived in Lake Elsinore, California, expressed their grief publicly for the first time since their daughter’s disappearance. They reported that Hernandez had stopped contacting them while traveling with Burke. They described her as a vibrant girl who loved to sing and dance, stating, “We love her very much and she always told us that she loved us. We miss her deeply. All we want is justice for Celeste.”

Case Developments

As the case progressed, it attracted significant media attention, particularly following the discovery of Hernandez’s remains. Investigators secured a court-ordered secrecy hold on the medical examiner’s report, raising questions about transparency. Burke canceled his tour as his name became linked to the investigation, which has involved multiple grand jury proceedings.

Burke’s family members were subpoenaed during the investigation, and they successfully appealed to have those subpoenas unsealed in Texas. While Burke’s defense team has not publicly detailed their arguments for his innocence, they have indicated that he will be vigorously defended. If convicted, Burke faces the possibility of the death penalty, although prosecutors have yet to decide whether to pursue capital charges.

For further details, refer to the original reporting at www.hollywoodreporter.com.

Explore the latest digital editions of FAME Delivered in the Magazine section: https://famedelivered.com/magazine/

Published on 2026-04-30 05:05:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk