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Warning: This article contains distressing details of violence and death.
Singer accused of stabbing teen after alleged abuse
Los Angeles prosecutors allege that musician David Anthony Burke, known as D4vd, fatally stabbed 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez at his home in April 2025 following months of sexual abuse. The teen's dismembered remains were later discovered in his car, authorities said.
Timeline of alleged crime and cover-up
Prosecutors outlined a detailed account in a court filing released Wednesday, stating Burke met Rivas Hernandez when she was 11 and began abusing her at 13. They claim the teen sent messages threatening to expose their relationship days before her death, which prosecutors believe occurred on 23 April 2025.
The filing alleges Burke ordered an Uber to bring Rivas Hernandez to his Hollywood Hills residence that day, then stabbed her multiple times. Prosecutors say he later purchased chainsaws, a body bag, a shovel, and a "burn cage" under a fake name to dispose of evidence.
Evidence and purchases under scrutiny
According to the filing, Burke allegedly dismembered the teen's body in his garage and placed the remains in his Tesla. Surveillance footage reportedly shows him as the last person to drive the vehicle before the body was found in September 2025.
Prosecutors tracked online purchases made in the days following the alleged killing, including two chainsaws, an inflatable pool, and a shovel. They allege Burke planned to incinerate evidence using the burn cage.
Legal proceedings and defense response
Burke, 19 at the time of the alleged abuse, pleaded not guilty to charges including murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child, and mutilation of remains. His attorneys argued in court Wednesday that releasing the evidence filing could prejudice a fair trial but failed to block its disclosure.
"We will vigorously defend David's innocence. The evidence will show he did not kill Celeste."
Defense attorney statement
Judge Charlaine Olmedo allowed the nine-page filing to be made public but sealed other evidence. Burke appeared in court Wednesday in an orange jumpsuit, shackled, and agreed to delay his preliminary hearing until late May.
Background and public fallout
Burke gained fame on TikTok with hits like Romantic Homicide and Here With Me. His worldwide tour was canceled after his September 2025 arrest, and he withdrew from social media.
Rivas Hernandez's family reported her missing in April 2025 after she was last seen at Burke's home. They issued a statement after her body was found, describing their love for her and demanding justice.
Next steps
The next court hearing is scheduled for late May, with prosecutors continuing to build their case against Burke.
