New evidence filings released Wednesday have provided a harrowing account of the allegations against David Anthony Burke, the 20-year-old singer known professionally as D4vd. Prosecutors allege the "Romantic Homicide" artist murdered and dismembered 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez to prevent her from exposing an illicit relationship.
The nine-page document, released following a contested court hearing, outlines a timeline that suggests a calculated effort to conceal the crime after the teenager allegedly threatened to "destroy his life" and end his career.
The Prosecution’s Timeline
According to the filing, the relationship between Burke and Rivas Hernandez began when she was 11 and he was 16. Prosecutors allege that sexual abuse began when the victim turned 13.
The state’s case hinges on a series of events in late April 2025:
-
April 22, 2025: Text messages show a heated dispute regarding Burke’s relationships with other women. Rivas Hernandez reportedly threatened to disclose their relationship to the public.
-
April 23, 2025: Prosecutors allege Burke summoned the teen to his Hollywood Hills home via Uber. While they believe she was killed that day, they claim Burke sent several "decoy" texts asking for her whereabouts to create an alibi.
-
April 25, 2025: As Burke’s debut studio album was released, prosecutors allege he began purchasing tools to dispose of the body.
Allegations of Dismemberment and Cover-Up
The evidence filing details a gruesome list of online purchases allegedly made by Burke under a pseudonym. These items included two chainsaws, a body bag, a shovel, an inflatable pool, and a "burn cage" intended for incinerating evidence.
The District Attorney’s office alleges that the victim’s remains were dismembered in Burke’s garage. Her body was eventually discovered in September 2025, decomposing in the front trunk of Burke’s Tesla while the singer was on a worldwide tour. Surveillance footage reportedly identifies Burke as the last person to operate the vehicle.
Court Proceedings
Burke appeared in a Los Angeles County courtroom on Wednesday wearing an orange jumpsuit and shackles. He spoke only to confirm his understanding that his preliminary hearing would be delayed until late May.
Defense attorney Blair Berk argued unsuccessfully to keep the filing sealed, citing the "white-hot focus" of media attention.
"We do have a very real concern about the amount of attention on this case... and specifically in the last two weeks," Berk stated, arguing that the publicity could jeopardize Burke's right to a fair trial.
Judge Charlaine Olmedo ruled in favor of releasing the document but agreed to keep specific pieces of evidence shielded from the public for the time being.
Current Status of the Case
David Anthony Burke has pleaded not guilty to seven criminal charges, including:
-
Murder
-
Continuous sexual abuse of a child
-
Mutilation of human remains
If convicted, the singer who rose to international fame via TikTok hits faces a potential life sentence. His legal team maintains that the evidence will eventually exonerate him. Meanwhile, the family of Celeste Rivas Hernandez continues to advocate for justice, describing the 14 year-old as deeply loved.