Prosecutors have released more details in the case against D4vd, who is accused of killing teen Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
The musician, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, was arrested on April 16 and later charged with murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under the age of 14 and unlawful mutilation of human remains. He has pleaded not guilty and is being held without bail ahead of his trial.
According to prosecutors, Burke, now 21, is facing multiple serious charges tied to the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. While he maintains his innocence, the details shared in court documents paint a deeply troubling picture that continues to unfold.
As the case moves forward, many are watching closely to see how the legal system handles such severe allegations. The court proceedings are expected to reveal even more evidence as prosecutors build their case.
Timeline of Events Leading to Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s Death
Prosecutors allege Burke, now 21, killed the 14-year-old girl on April 23, 2025, dismembered her nearly two weeks later, and left her remains in the trunk of his Tesla, which was reported abandoned in the Hollywood Hills and later impounded.
Authorities say the timeline of events is critical to understanding how the case unfolded. According to reports, Burke allegedly maintained possession of the victim’s remains for an extended period before abandoning the vehicle.
Investigators were able to piece together the sequence of events through physical evidence and witness accounts. The vehicle, which had been left unattended, became a key part of the investigation after reports surfaced about a strong odor coming from inside.
These details have intensified public concern, especially as more information continues to surface about the alleged actions following the victim’s death.
Prosecutors Detail Alleged Actions Inside Burke’s Home
In a preliminary hearing brief released on Wednesday, April 29, shortly after Burke appeared in court, prosecutors said on that night, Burke ordered an Uber for Rivas to his home before he “stabbed the victim to death multiple times” and “stood by while she bled out.”
Prosecutors allege he then placed her body in an inflatable pool “to prevent the blood from spilling onto his garage floor” and used a “chainsaw and perhaps other tools” to dismember her body, per the brief.
According to the filing, those plastic fragments were found in the victim’s remains and were a match to the inflatable pool allegedly purchased by Burke under a fake name in May 2025.
These allegations, if proven in court, would represent a highly calculated and deliberate attempt to conceal evidence. Prosecutors appear to be relying heavily on forensic findings to support their claims.
Discovery of Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s Remains
The girl’s remains were found in two separate bags after the LAPD received reports of a foul odor coming from the car on Sept. 8, 2025, one day after Rivas’ 15th birthday.
Authorities responded quickly to the report, which ultimately led to the discovery of the remains inside the abandoned vehicle. The timing of the discovery, just one day after her birthday, has added another layer of heartbreak to the case.