US singer D4vd accused of purchasing tools to dispose of a girl’s body
US singer D4vd, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, has been accused by prosecutors of purchasing tools online to dispose of the body of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The allegations were detailed in a court filing that outlines the events leading up to and following the teen’s death.
Allegations and evidence presented by prosecutors
Prosecutors allege that Burke stabbed Rivas Hernandez multiple times at his home. After the alleged killing, they say he bought items including two chainsaws, an inflatable pool, a body bag, a shovel, and a “burn cage” using a fake name. These purchases were allegedly part of a plan to dismember and incinerate the teen’s body to cover up the crime.
The filing states that Burke dismembered the remains in the garage of his Hollywood Hills residence. Surveillance footage reportedly shows that he was the last person to drive his Tesla, where the body was later found in September 2025.
Background and timeline of events
- Prosecutors say Burke met Rivas Hernandez when she was 11 and began sexually abusing her when she was 13 and he was 18.
- Text messages indicate the teen threatened to reveal their relationship and “destroy his life.”
- On 22 April 2025, the two had a lengthy argument over Burke’s relationships with other women.
- Rivas Hernandez was allegedly killed the following day after being dropped off at Burke’s home by an Uber.
- Burke’s first studio album was released on 25 April 2025, shortly after the alleged murder.
- The teen’s body was discovered in Burke’s Tesla five months later.
Legal proceedings and defense
D4vd has pleaded not guilty to the charges, which include murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child, and mutilation of remains. His attorneys have stated they will “vigorously defend David’s innocence” and believe the evidence will show he did not kill Celeste.
In court, Burke appeared in an orange jail jumpsuit and was shackled. His preliminary hearing has been delayed until late May. His lawyers attempted to block the public release of the detailed court filing, citing concerns about media attention affecting a fair trial. The judge allowed the filing to be released but kept some evidence sealed.
Case impact and public response
D4vd rose to fame on TikTok with viral songs such as “Romantic Homicide” and “Here With Me.” Following the discovery of Rivas Hernandez’s body, his worldwide tour was cancelled and he withdrew from public life and social media.
The teen’s family reported her missing in 2024 and made a public statement after the body was found, expressing their love for her and calling for justice.