Cinema VinesLos Angeles prosecutors began a detailed presentation of their murder case against indie pop singer David Burke, known online as D4vd, on Tuesday. The 21‑year‑old is accused of fatally stabbing and dismembering his 14‑year‑old girlfriend, Celeste Rivas Hernandez, after she allegedly threatened to expose their relationship. Burke was arrested in April 2026 and faces first‑degree murder, mutilation of human remains and child sexual abuse charges, to which he has pleaded not guilty.
The body of Rivas Hernandez was discovered in September 2025 in a black vinyl cadaver bag inside the front trunk of a Tesla registered to Burke. Police first noticed the vehicle at a Hollywood impound lot when workers reported a strong odor. Los Angeles Police Department Detective Joshua Byers testified that investigators found Celeste’s torso and head in the bag, with a plastic garbage bag beneath it containing her severed limbs. The victim’s right index finger bore a cryptic tattoo reading “SHH.”
During the preliminary hearing, Detective Byers described the scene to a courtroom audience, noting the “very distinctive smell” of decay familiar to homicide detectives. Deputy District Attorney Beth Silverman guided him through the testimony while showing graphic photographs of the crime scene. Burke, seated in orange jail attire, watched the evidence on screen, appearing focused.
District Attorney Nathan Hochman told reporters outside the courthouse that prosecutors plan to call more than ten witnesses over three to five days and will decide later whether to seek the death penalty. The case is set to proceed to trial once the judge is satisfied that sufficient evidence exists.
Burke’s rise to fame began in 2022 with songs recorded for Fortnite gaming videos, most notably the single “Romantic Homicide,” which led to a deal with Interscope Records. He performed at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in 2024, less than two weeks before prosecutors allege he committed the murder to prevent his underage girlfriend from jeopardizing his burgeoning career. Defense attorney Blair Berk stated at the April 20 arraignment that evidence would show Burke did not murder Rivas Hernandez and was not responsible for her death.
