Musician David Anthony Burke, known as D4vd, has pleaded not guilty to charges including the murder, child sex abuse, and mutilation of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Prosecutors allege Burke, 21, killed Rivas on April 23, 2025, fearing their relationship would harm his career.
Prosecutors claim Burke fatally stabbed Rivas and then dismembered her remains using a chainsaw in an inflatable pool located in a Hollywood Hills garage. Rivas' remains were discovered on September 8, 2025, in a Tesla registered to Burke. Investigators found small, blue plastic fragments from the inflatable pool embedded in the victim's remains.
Recent developments include clarification that Rivas was not pregnant at the time of her death. An addendum to her death certificate stated it was unknown if she was pregnant in the year prior, a change from a previous 'no' notation. This comes after a preliminary hearing where text messages were presented suggesting Rivas had been pregnant and had an abortion in January 2024. LAPD Detective Corey Farell testified that phone records from Burke alluded to the pregnancy and abortion, with Rivas having sent messages indicating the paternity. Farell also stated that Burke had inquired about Rivas' medical appointment and expressed feeling like he was "waiting for test results."
During the preliminary hearing, prosecutors did not present graphic images of child sexual abuse material involving Rivas found on Burke's phone. Rivas' mother, Mercedes Martinez, and father, Jesus Rivas, were present in court during Farell's testimony.
Los Angeles Judge Charlaine Olmedo found sufficient evidence to proceed to trial and ordered Burke to remain in custody without bail. His arraignment is scheduled for August 31.
Separately, a 2023 promotional clip featuring D4vd wearing a white shirt with red stains, presented as fake blood, has resurfaced amid the legal proceedings. In the clip, D4vd discussed washing out the stains, linking it to his song "Romantic Homicide." Items associated with this promotion, including shirts, were reportedly removed from sale in September 2025.
