The high-profile murder case involving the 21-year-old alt-pop singer D4vd (legal name David Anthony Burke) and the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez has taken a gruesome turn. New court filings released on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, have revealed the harrowing details behind what prosecutors call a desperate attempt to “silence” a victim to protect a rising music career.
The Fatal “Silence”: A Career at Stake?
Prosecutors allege that Burke murdered Rivas Hernandez on or around April 23, 2025, at his Hollywood Hills home after she threatened to expose their inappropriate sexual relationship. According to the filings, the victim was just 11 years old when they first met, and Burke allegedly began sexually abusing her when she was 13 and he was 18.
On the night of the murder, Burke reportedly sent a rideshare car to pick her up. Prosecutors claim that once she arrived, he stabbed her multiple times to prevent her from following through with threats that would “destroy his life” and ruin the launch of his debut album.
The “Grisly” Cover-Up in the Garage
The court documents outline a meticulously planned effort to destroy evidence. Prosecutors allege that in the days following the murder, Burke used a fake name to purchase various items via Amazon and Postmates:
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Two chainsaws
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A blue inflatable pool (used as a dismemberment station)
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A body bag and heavy-duty laundry bags
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A shovel and a “burn cage” intended for incinerating evidence
Investigators believe Burke dismembered the teenager’s body in his garage, where her DNA was later discovered. Tiny blue plastic fragments, believed to be from the inflatable pool, were also found in the remains.
“Distancing” the Evidence: The Amputated Fingers
Perhaps the most chilling detail revealed is the amputation of the victim’s left ring and pinky fingers. Prosecutors claim this was a deliberate move to remove identifying marks:
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The “Shhh” Tattoo: One finger featured a “shhh” tattoo—an identical mark that Burke himself reportedly has.
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The Name Tattoo: The other finger had Burke’s name tattooed on it.
These fingers have never been recovered.
A Body Hidden in Plain Sight
For over four months, the dismembered body sat decomposing in the front trunk of Burke’s Tesla. Prosecutors allege he lied to friends and associates who questioned a foul smell coming from the vehicle. The remains were finally discovered on September 8, 2025, after the car was towed to a yard in the Hollywood Hills.
What’s Next? The Fight for Justice
Burke was arrested on April 16, 2026, and has pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and mutilation of human remains. His defense team, led by Blair Berk, maintains his innocence, arguing that the actual evidence will show he did not commit the crime.
While Berk unsuccessfully petitioned the judge, Charlaine Olmedo, to keep the graphic filings under seal to avoid tainting a future jury pool, the details have now been made public.
Key Upcoming Dates:
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May 12, 2026: Status conference hearing.
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May 26, 2026: Preliminary evidentiary hearing to determine if the case will go to trial.
If convicted, David Burke faces life in prison or the death penalty.
