Pop singer D4vd and 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez maintained a clandestine relationship months before her decomposing body was discovered inside an impounded car registered to the musician, according to Los Angeles County prosecutors. The artist, born David Anthony Burke, faces trial for murder, child sexual abuse, and mutilation of human remains following the teenager’s death in April 2025.
Charges and Prosecution Details
Hochman stated that evidence proves Burke is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt of the brutal murder. Prosecutors accuse Burke of stabbing Celeste to death and severing her limbs to prevent her from exposing their sexual relationship, which began in November 2023 when Burke was 18 and Celeste was 13. Burke has pleaded not guilty to all charges and remains in custody without bail.
Did you know? Online gaming communities on Discord, where Burke built an early following before launching his music career, actively combed through his past videos and content for clues after the discovery of Celeste’s remains.
Evidence and Text Message History
During a preliminary evidentiary hearing, prosecutors presented text messages dating back to 2022, when Celeste was 11. Messages show Burke shared plans for an idyllic future, including her moving into his home, marrying in Italy, and having children. However, text logs also reveal efforts to conceal the relationship from law enforcement. In June 2024, Burke allegedly wrote, according to Courthouse News, that he could not wait to move in without police interference. Months earlier in February, police visited Burke at a West Hollywood residence after finding his number in the teenager’s phone log while searching for her.
Relationship Friction and Motive
Text exchanges revealed tension in the relationship, including a pregnancy in January 2024 that ended in an abortion which Celeste later regretted. Prosecutors also presented evidence of a recording label deal for Burke, suggesting a motive to silence the teenager after she threatened to end his career during a heated argument over text the night before her death. Forensic testing presented by prosecutors found blood likely belonging to Celeste inside Burke’s former residence.
Defense Strategy and Legal Proceedings
Defense attorneys challenged elements of the state’s case during the preliminary hearing. Attorney Marilyn Bednarski questioned Grant Ho, the doctor who performed the autopsy, on whether the report ruled out the teenager holding an instrument that caused her stab wounds. Ho testified that the autopsy did not indicate self-harm, though he could not rule out self-inflicted wounds. A second defense attorney, Blair Berk, questioned a Los Angeles Police Department criminalist regarding why other items in the house were not tested for DNA given that multiple people lived there.
Upcoming Court Dates and Decision on Death Penalty
Burke is scheduled for arraignment on August 31, though an official trial date has not yet been announced. District Attorney Hochman stated in a NewsNation appearance that he will confer with Celeste’s family and Burke’s lawyers before deciding whether to pursue the death penalty against the musician.
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges does D4vd face?
David Anthony Burke faces trial for murder, child sexual abuse, and mutilation of human remains.
How old were D4vd and Celeste Rivas Hernandez when the relationship began?
According to prosecutors, the relationship began in November 2023 when Burke was 18 and Celeste was 13, with text messages stretching back to 2022 when she was 11.
How did investigators connect D4vd to the case?
Celeste’s decomposing body was found last September stuffed in an impounded car registered to Burke, and forensic testing found blood likely belonging to her inside his former residence.
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