US singer David Anthony Burke, known as D4vd, purchased chainsaws, a body bag, and an incineration cage to dispose of a 14-year-old girl’s remains, Los Angeles prosecutors alleged on Wednesday, per bbc.com.
Evidence filings claim Burke, 19, stabbed Celeste Rivas Hernandez to death at his Hollywood Hills home in April 2025 after she threatened to expose their illicit relationship and “destroy his career”.
The nine-page document details a grim timeline leading to the discovery of the teenager’s dismembered remains in the front trunk of Burke’s Tesla in September 2025. Prosecutors allege the “Romantic Homicide” singer began sexually abusing the victim when she was 13. Text messages from April 22, 2025, suggest the pair argued over Burke’s involvement with other women before the victim was killed the following day.
Court records show Burke allegedly used a pseudonym to buy two chainsaws, an inflatable pool, and a shovel in the days following the disappearance. Surveillance footage reportedly identified Burke as the last person to drive the vehicle where the body was found. Prosecutors also claim the singer previously bypassed parental restrictions by paying a student $1,000 to deliver a secret mobile phone to the victim at her middle school.
Appearing in an orange jumpsuit and shackles, Burke pleaded not guilty to seven criminal charges, including murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child and mutilation of remains. His legal team, led by Blair Berk, unsuccessfully attempted to seal the filing, arguing that the “white-hot focus” on the case could prejudice a fair trial. The defence maintains that evidence will eventually exonerate the singer.
An attorney for the Rivas Hernandez family described the emerging details as “horrifying” and requested privacy as the family grieves. The victim had been reported missing by her parents twice in 2024, during which time authorities had informed Burke of her minor status.
Burke rose to international prominence via TikTok with viral hits before his arrest earlier this month. The case has drawn global scrutiny, leading to the cancellation of his world tour and his withdrawal from public life.
