Singer D4vd Faces Trial Over 14-Year-Old’s Death

Prosecutors presented detailed forensic evidence on Wednesday in an effort to persuade the judge to send singer D4vd, legally known as David Burke, to trial for the alleged stabbing death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The preliminary hearing entered its second day with testimonies from Los Angeles police criminalists who collected samples potentially containing blood and DNA from his garage, alleged by prosecutors to be the site where the body was dismembered. Months later, her body was reportedly discovered in Burke’s Tesla.

Burke has pleaded not guilty to charges, including murder, sexual abuse of a child, and body mutilation. His defense maintains he did not cause her death.

Techs test and swab Burke’s garage and car

Earlier, authorities claimed evidence showed Burke purchased items such as chainsaws, an inflatable pool, and a shovel, which were allegedly used in the crime against the teen, who had known him for several years and traveled to London with him.

Lauren Wallace, a criminalist with the LAPD, testified about finding blood-like stains on rubber mats in Burke’s garage floor, and what appeared to be slits from sharp objects. Prosecutors highlighted in previous filings that blood in the garage matched Rivas Hernandez’s DNA. Wallace explained how a chemical treatment revealed possible blood stains not visible to the naked eye, making them glow bright blue, illustrated through a photograph.

Further potential blood evidence was noted on garbage bags, cleaning wipes, and a rowing machine found in the garage. LAPD criminalist Chelsea Murillo observed smaller, similar stains in the Tesla. Defense attorney Blair Berk scrutinized the evidence collection process, questioning the protocols used, including whether gloves were worn and decisions regarding DNA swabs on the vehicle exterior.

Prosecutors say Burke killed to keep his career

Prosecutors argued Burke sought to prevent personal exposure. They assert he began a relationship with Rivas Hernandez when she was 13, and claimed she threatened to disclose their relationship due to jealousy over his other liaisons. They allege Burke sent a car to bring her to his Hollywood home on the night of April 23, 2025, where the stabbing incident occurred. The body reportedly remained in the Tesla for months, discovered later when the car was towed in September.

Testimonies from LAPD homicide detective Joshua Byers indicated finding a body bag containing a head and torso, with limbs placed in garbage bags, in the towed car. Byers pointed to records of Burke purchasing similar equipment such as body bags and chainsaws.

The search for a third chainsaw ordered by Burke remains unfruitful. A California Highway Patrol officer testified that Rivas Hernandez’s passport was found in a rural Santa Barbara area, aligned with Burke’s known travel to the site around the time of the killing and later.

Throughout the hearings, the victim’s parents have observed the proceedings from the audience, though they are not expected to testify.

Since his arrest, Burke has been in custody without bail, appearing in court dressed in jail attire.

D4vd made millions between 2023 and 2025

Financial statements outlined Burke’s significant music industry success, accruing at least $10 million from 2023 to 2025. Performing under the name D4vd, he gained prominence by creating music for YouTube Fortnite videos. His indie-pop style gained traction across platforms like TikTok, Soundcloud, and Spotify, with top tracks amassing over a billion plays. In 2023, D4vd released multiple EPs, joined SZA on tour, and in 2024, performed at the Coachella festival while promoting a new album.