US Singer D4vd Accused of Purchasing Tools to Dispose of Teen's Body
US singer D4vd has been accused by prosecutors of buying tools online, including chainsaws, following allegations that he stabbed a teenage girl to death.
The accusations were detailed in an evidence filing that outlines his alleged motive and the steps prosecutors claim he took to conceal his actions before the dismembered body of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez was discovered in his car.
Prosecutors state that D4vd, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, met Rivas Hernandez when she was 11 years old and allegedly began sexually abusing her when she was 13 and he was 18. They further allege that the teenager sent text messages threatening to expose their illicit relationship and "destroy his life" prior to her death.
D4vd has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Warning: This story contains distressing content and details of death.
Defense Response and Court Appearance
Attorneys representing D4vd have asserted they "will vigorously defend David's innocence" and expressed confidence that "the evidence will show that David did not kill Celeste."
He appeared in court on Wednesday, wearing an orange Los Angeles County jail jumpsuit and shackled, as attorneys and prosecutors debated the public release of the filing. When the judge asked if he agreed to delay his preliminary hearing until late May, he responded briefly with "yes, your honour."
Details from Prosecutors' Filing
In the court filing released Wednesday, prosecutors allege that Burke stabbed the teenager multiple times at his residence.
The filing states that prosecutors tracked purchases made online under a fake name in the days following the alleged murder. These purchases included two chainsaws, an inflatable blue pool, a body bag, and a shovel. Additionally, they allege he bought a "burn cage" and planned to incinerate evidence.
The document also outlines previous interactions between authorities and the singer, including after Rivas Hernandez was reported missing in 2024 by her family.
Text Messages and Timeline
Prosecutors detail text messages indicating a prolonged argument on 22 April 2025 concerning Burke's relationships with other women. According to the filing, Rivas Hernandez sent threats to "disclose damaging information about her relationship with the defendant to end his career." Prosecutors believe the teen was killed the following day.
They state that D4vd ordered an Uber for Rivas Hernandez on that day to bring her to his home, where she was dropped off. Prosecutors allege that Burke sent multiple text messages asking where she was, but claim these messages were part of a plan "to cover up the murder." Notably, D4vd's first studio album was released that same week, on 25 April.
Alleged Disposal of the Body
In the days after the alleged killing, prosecutors say the singer made various online purchases intended to dispose of Rivas Hernandez's body. The filing alleges that he dismembered her remains in the garage of his Hollywood Hills home.
Surveillance footage cited in the court document shows Burke was the last person to drive his Tesla, where the body was found in September 2025.
Legal Proceedings and Media Concerns
The filing released Wednesday represents the most detailed timeline since the case attracted international attention last year.
During the court session, D4vd's attorneys sought to block the release of the nine-page filing, arguing it would increase media coverage and potentially impact his right to a fair trial.
"We do have a very real concern about the amount and white hot focus and attention on this case for the last seven months and specifically in the last two weeks,"
his lawyer Blair Berk told the judge, requesting that the document be sealed.
Judge Charlaine Olmedo permitted the document's release but agreed to keep other pieces of evidence sealed from public view.
Another hearing in the case is scheduled for next month.
Background and Arrest
D4vd, who gained fame on TikTok with viral hits such as "Romantic Homicide" and "Here With Me," was on tour when police discovered Rivas Hernandez's body in the front trunk of his Tesla in September 2025. Following the discovery, his worldwide tour was cancelled, and he largely withdrew from public life and social media.
Los Angeles police announced his arrest earlier this month.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman filed seven criminal charges against Burke, including murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child, and mutilation of remains.
Authorities stated that the teen had been reported missing by her family and was last seen at Burke's Hollywood Hills home on 3 April 2025. Her decomposing body was found in Burke's Tesla five months later.
Rivas Hernandez's family issued their first public statement shortly after the discovery, expressing their love for the teen and calling for justice in her death.
