New and disturbing details continue to emerge in the murder case against singer D4vd, as prosecutors allege he went to calculated lengths to cover up the killing of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, including purchasing tools to dismember her body using a fake identity.
According to court filings and testimony highlighted in recent reports, prosecutors say the 21-year-old artist—whose legal name is David Anthony Burke—used an alias to buy items such as a chainsaw, body bags, a shovel, and other supplies in the days after the teen’s death.
Authorities believe those purchases were part of a deliberate effort to dispose of the victim’s body and destroy evidence.
Alleged cover-up and dismemberment
Prosecutors allege that Rivas Hernandez was killed in April 2025 after an argument, with evidence indicating she suffered multiple stab wounds before her body was dismembered.
Investigators say Burke used a chainsaw in his garage to cut apart the body, placing the remains in a container—described in reports as a blue inflatable pool—to manage blood during the process.
Her dismembered remains were ultimately discovered months later, in September 2025, inside a Tesla registered to Burke that had been impounded in Los Angeles.
Digital trail and additional evidence
Prosecutors also claim Burke attempted to cover his tracks digitally. He allegedly sent text messages from the victim’s phone after her death in an effort to create the appearance that she was still alive.
Further evidence reportedly includes DNA found in his garage and forensic links between purchased materials and the remains.
Authorities have also stated that explicit material involving the victim and other alleged evidence of abuse was recovered from his phone.
Background of the case
Investigators say Burke and Rivas Hernandez met when she was just 11 years old and later became involved in a sexual relationship when she was 13.
Prosecutors argue the killing may have been motivated by a desire to silence her after she threatened to expose the relationship, which could have damaged his rising music career.
Charges and court proceedings
Burke has been charged with first-degree murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child, and mutilation of human remains.
He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and is currently being held without bail as he awaits further court proceedings.
A preliminary hearing, where prosecutors are expected to present more of their evidence, is scheduled for May 26, 2026.
Ongoing developments
The case continues to evolve, with new forensic details and legal arguments emerging. Recent updates, including changes to the victim’s death certificate and additional evidentiary claims, have intensified public scrutiny surrounding the high-profile investigation.
If convicted, Burke could face life in prison without parole or the death penalty.
Authorities say the investigation remains active as they continue to build their case.
