The trial for recording artist David Burke, also known as D4vd, has been cleared in the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose dismembered remains were found in his Tesla. Burke faces a potential death penalty if convicted, although California currently has a moratorium on capital punishment.
Prosecutors allege Burke murdered Hernandez two days before the release of his debut album, following accusations that she threatened to expose him as a child molester if he pursued other romantic interests. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman stated that Burke "squandered his fame and fortune by brutally killing a young girl because he feared their illicit sexual relationship would ruin his aspiring career."
During a preliminary hearing, Los Angeles Police Department Detective Corey Ferrel presented text message evidence detailing the relationship between Burke and Hernandez. Prosecutors claim Hernandez's parents were aware of the relationship and took steps to separate the two, including confiscating her phone and contacting police when she ran away. At one point, Burke allegedly paid another teenager $1,000 to deliver Hernandez a new phone.
Burke's defense team argued that Hernandez's family had consented to some of their interactions. They presented a permission slip, reportedly signed by her parents, allowing Hernandez to travel to London with Burke. Her sister also reportedly accompanied them on a trip to Las Vegas. Some text messages presented also indicated that Hernandez had stated different ages, at times claiming to be 16 and 18 years old.
Prosecutors detailed that Burke invited Hernandez to his Hollywood Hills home on April 23, 2025. She was dropped off by an Uber and was not seen alive again. The following day, Burke allegedly made online purchases for a shovel, three chainsaws, a body bag, and a blue kiddie pool, with some items ordered under an alias. Investigators believe Hernandez was stabbed to death shortly after her arrival, then dismembered with a chainsaw in the kiddie pool in his garage, where DNA consistent with the victim was found.
On September 8, 2025, Burke's abandoned Tesla was impounded, and police discovered Hernandez's decomposing remains. Fragments of pool plastic were reportedly found embedded in her remains. Burke is scheduled for an arraignment hearing on August 31.