Prosecutors in Los Angeles are moving forward with a murder case against singer-songwriter D4vd, born David Anthony Burke, over the death of 13-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Burke is scheduled to appear in court Tuesday for a preliminary hearing that could determine whether sufficient evidence exists to proceed to trial.
The hearing, expected to conclude Thursday, marks a significant step in a case that has drawn delays due to the volume of investigatory materials. Prosecutors allege Burke stabbed Hernandez to death at his Los Angeles home in April 2024 to prevent her from revealing details of their sexual relationship as his music career was gaining momentum.
According to court documents, Burke and Hernandez began a sexual relationship in November 2023, when Burke was 18 and the victim was 13. Prosecutors say Burke then dismembered Hernandez's body with a chainsaw, severing her limbs and amputating her ring finger, which bore a tattoo of his name. Her remains were later placed in a Tesla registered to Burke.
Police discovered Hernandez's decomposed remains in September 2025 when the vehicle was impounded at a Hollywood tow yard. The yard's manager contacted law enforcement after detecting an overwhelming odor and observing flies around the car.
Burke, now 21, was arrested in April and has remained in custody without bail. A conviction on murder charges could result in a death sentence or life imprisonment without parole. His defense team maintains he did not cause Hernandez's death, and he has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Prosecutors plan to present text messages between Burke and Hernandez as evidence, including exchanges that allegedly document their sexual relationship and Hernandez's threats to expose him. They also intend to introduce surveillance footage showing Burke driving the Tesla in July 2025, receipts for a body bag and two chainsaws, and forensic evidence linking blood in his garage to Hernandez's DNA profile.
Burke rose to prominence through viral TikTok singles and had launched an international tour in July to promote his debut album Withered. The tour was canceled in September after Hernandez's body was discovered. Several of his former musical collaborators have since publicly distanced themselves from him.
Hernandez's family released a statement after Burke's arrest. "Celeste was a beautiful, strong girl who loved to sing and dance," they wrote. "Every Friday night was movie night and we spent wonderful times together. We love her very much and she always told us that she loved us. We miss her deeply. All we want is justice for Celeste."
Author James Rodriguez: "This case exposes a dark underside of the creator economy, where rising social media stars operate with minimal oversight and significant power imbalances over vulnerable followers."
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