Singer David Anthony Burke, professionally known as D4vd, showed no outward emotion Tuesday as prosecutors presented graphic images of the severed remains of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez during his preliminary hearing. Burke, 21, has pleaded not guilty to charges including first-degree murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains.
His defense attorneys contend that Burke did not cause Hernandez's death, despite her remains being discovered in the front trunk of his Tesla. Images displayed in court showed the victim's head and torso in a body bag within the trunk, and her severed limbs in a separate garbage bag. The visual evidence prompted distress from members of Hernandez's family present in the courtroom.
Prosecutors allege that Burke, who was 18 at the time of the slaying, was in a relationship with the minor. They claim he fatally stabbed her when she threatened to expose their relationship, which could have jeopardized his burgeoning music career ahead of his first album release. Evidence presented includes text messages and photos exchanged between Burke and Hernandez, as well as records indicating Burke ordered chainsaws used to dismember the body. DNA evidence of the victim was reportedly found in his garage, where fragments from an inflatable pool, allegedly used to contain blood, were also discovered.
According to a preliminary trial brief filed in April, prosecutors stated that Burke arranged for an Uber to pick up Hernandez from her home in Lake Elsinore, California, on the night of April 23, 2025. Her phone reportedly went dead after she arrived at his Hollywood Hills home. The document states, "Knowing he had to silence the victim before she ruined his music career as she had threatened, very soon after her arrival at his home, defendant stabbed the victim to death multiple times and stood by while she bled out."
Detective Joshua Byers testified that upon arriving at an impound lot on September 8, he observed insects and maggots around a partially unzipped body bag and another garbage bag. He described the victim's body as so decomposed that her face was unrecognizable. Hernandez's father later contacted police with his suspicions, providing information that led to her identification through dental records. The Tesla was registered to Burke, who had been identified as a suspect.
Investigators determined Burke met Hernandez in January 2021 when she was 11. The alleged sexual relationship began in November 2023, when Hernandez was 13 and Burke was 18. Her mother had reported her daughter missing three times in 2023, stating she was dating someone named David whom she had never met. Burke initially denied to sheriff's deputies that he knew Hernandez was a minor, claiming he believed she was 18 because she told him so. He was cooperative during an initial interaction with deputies, allowing a search of his home where no signs of Hernandez were found.
Prosecutors, however, claim Burke continued to pursue Hernandez, even allegedly paying another student to get her a phone. They assert that throughout 2024, Hernandez spent significant time with Burke, including travel to Las Vegas, London, and Texas. Text exchanges allegedly reference sex, pregnancy, and abortion. After a final breakup in April, Hernandez reportedly threatened to expose their relationship to end his career. At the time, Burke was preparing to release his first solo album.
The preliminary hearing is expected to continue for up to five days, with the prosecution anticipating calling approximately 10 witnesses, primarily law enforcement and medical examiners. The District Attorney's office has not yet determined whether to pursue the death penalty.