The criminal case against singer d4vd, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, entered a critical new phase after a multi-day preliminary hearing in Los Angeles revealed disturbing details that prosecutors believe strengthen their murder case against the 21-year-old musician. From DNA evidence and alleged purchases made under fake names to explicit text messages and testimony about the victim’s final months, the hearing offered the most comprehensive public look yet at the investigation.
Burke has pleaded not guilty to charges including first-degree murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and mutilating human remains. Prosecutors allege he killed 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez in April 2025 after she threatened to expose their relationship, potentially jeopardising his rapidly growing music career and multimillion-dollar record deal.
While the judge has yet to decide whether the evidence is sufficient to send the case to trial, testimony throughout the hearing painted a detailed timeline of the prosecution’s theory—and hinted at how the defence intends to challenge it.
The broader scope of the investigation has continued to expand well beyond Burke himself, with authorities also pursuing people connected to him. That development is covered in Friend of Singer D4vd Arrested on Warrant as Teen’s Death Investigation Intensifies.
Key Official Details
| Category | Details |
| Defendant | David Anthony Burke (stage name: d4vd) |
| Victim | Celeste Rivas Hernandez, 14 |
| Charges | First-degree murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, mutilating human remains |
| Body Found | September 2025, inside the trunk of Burke’s Tesla |
| Court Proceeding | Preliminary hearing, Los Angeles |
| Plea | Not guilty |
A broader look at how this case has unfolded from its earliest stages, before many of these details emerged, can be found in our post Investigation Surrounding Music Star D4vd Draws National Attention After Teen’s Death.
Graphic courtroom testimony reveals prosecution’s evidence
Some of the most emotional moments came when prosecutors presented graphic photographs recovered during the investigation. Celeste’s parents attended portions of the hearing and viewed images of their daughter’s badly decomposed and dismembered remains for the first time.
LAPD Detective Joshua Byers described one image by telling the court, “There you see the head and torso minus the limbs.” Celeste’s mother lowered her head as a county employee comforted her.
Additional evidence photographs allegedly showed blue plastic fragments embedded in the victim’s knee. Prosecutors claim the fragments came from an inflatable pool that Burke allegedly purchased and used while dismembering the body.
Photos of Celeste’s severed hand were also discussed. According to prosecutors, two fingers containing a tattoo of Burke’s name had been removed. Later testimony revealed Burke himself had a tattoo reading “Celeste” on his left ring finger.
Medical examiner testimony later detailed two fatal puncture wounds to the victim’s chest and abdomen.
A full breakdown of the case’s timeline, from the earliest known facts to the most recent developments, is laid out in BOMBSHELL: State v. D4VD — Inside the Celeste Hernandez Death Investigation Timeline.
Explicit messages and photos become central to prosecution
Another major focus of the hearing involved digital evidence recovered from Burke’s phone and iCloud account.
LAPD Detective Corey Farell testified that investigators recovered nearly 50 sexually explicit images, which prosecutors characterised as child sexual abuse material. According to testimony, investigators identified both Burke and Celeste in several of those photographs.
Farell told the court their online communication began in August 2022, when Celeste was 11 years old. Prosecutors allege the sexual relationship began when she turned 13.
Text messages read aloud in court allegedly documented discussions about previous sexual encounters, future plans together and intimate conversations.
An earlier overview of how the murder investigation first came together, including the Tesla evidence at its core, is available in Celeste Rivas Hernandez Case: Inside the Ongoing Murder Investigation Linked to Singer D4vd.
The hearing also revealed messages discussing Plan B emergency contraception, an abortion and future plans to have children together. The pair reportedly referred to plans to live together as “Operation Awesome.”
As the relationship allegedly deteriorated, prosecutors highlighted one message in which Celeste reportedly wrote:
“I killed my first kid for you.”
Throughout the testimony, Farell repeatedly confirmed that Celeste was 13, while Burke was 18 and 19 years old during the relationship.
Alleged purchases under aliases raise new questions
Prosecutors also introduced evidence suggesting Burke allegedly ordered several items under false identities.
Detective Byers testified that orders placed under the alias “Travion Davis” included:
- Fireproof mat
- Shovel
- Inflatable pool
- Multiple chainsaws
Investigators recovered two chainsaws at Burke’s home but found no visible blood evidence on them. A third chainsaw allegedly purchased from Home Depot was never recovered.
Byers also testified Burke allegedly ordered a burn box using the alias “Victoria Martinez.” The device, described in court as capable of generating temperatures similar to a “mini crematorium,” remained unopened when investigators seized it.
Defence attorneys questioned why the burn box was never tested for touch DNA and challenged investigative decisions surrounding several pieces of physical evidence.
The specific forensic details prosecutors say tie Burke directly to the killing are laid out at length in D4vd Murder Case: Prosecutors Reveal Chilling Forensic Evidence They Say Links David Anthony Burke to the Death of 14-Year-Old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
DNA and travel evidence strengthen prosecution’s timeline
LAPD criminalist Samantha Tosch testified that several blood stains recovered from Burke’s Tesla and rented Los Angeles home produced statistically strong DNA matches to Celeste.
Among the alleged matches were:
- Blood stains inside the Tesla’s trunk
- Blood inside the vehicle’s interior
- Stains on a garage floor mat
- Blood found on a rowing machine
- Blood recovered from a Tesla charging plug
However, defence attorneys argued that DNA recovered from one trash bag contained multiple contributors and questioned whether investigators adequately examined the chainsaws for tool marks.
Another significant development involved Celeste’s passport identification card.
Drowning deaths tied to public figures have drawn similarly intense scrutiny in other cases, including one involving a fitness influencer whose passing overseas prompted its own investigation. That story is detailed in Connor Murphy Death: Fitness YouTuber and Looksmaxxing Influencer Dies in Thailand After Apparent Drowning Amid Biohacking Investigation,
A California Highway Patrol employee unexpectedly discovered the ID card nearly 85 miles from Los Angeles along Highway 154 while conducting traffic control work. After recognising her name from news reports, authorities were contacted, leading investigators to search the surrounding area.
Cellular analysis presented by prosecutors alleged Burke travelled to the same remote Santa Barbara County location three separate times, including April 23, 2025, the day prosecutors believe Celeste was killed.
Investigators also testified Burke allegedly called and texted Celeste’s phone during one of those trips, arguing the communications were intended to create the appearance that he was searching for her.
The defence countered that cellphone location analysis cannot conclusively prove Burke personally made those trips.
Earlier police encounter and financial motive examined
Body camera footage from a February 2024 welfare check was also played during the hearing.
Burke told deputies he believed Celeste was 18 years old when they first met.
“She told me she was 18, everyone is saying she’s 13.”
Deputies did not locate Celeste during that visit, and she returned home shortly afterwards.
Financial testimony also formed part of the prosecution’s case.
Executives from Interscope Records testified Burke’s recording agreement could have been worth up to 19 million dollars if all contractual milestones had been achieved. His financial manager further testified the artist earned between 10 million and 11.5 million dollars from 2023 through 2025.
Long-settled cause-of-death rulings have also come under renewed scrutiny elsewhere, as seen in a fresh forensic report reigniting debate more than three decades after a rock icon’s death. That story is examined in New 2026 Forensic Report Challenges Kurt Cobain Suicide Ruling, Reigniting Murder Debate After 32 Years.
Prosecutors argue Burke’s financial future provides part of the alleged motive for the killing, claiming he sought to protect both his career and lucrative recording contract.
The judge has not yet ruled whether the evidence presented during the preliminary hearing is sufficient for the case to proceed to a full criminal trial.
A separate family’s push for independent answers following a young athlete’s death is covered in Nolan Wells Independent Autopsy Update: Ben Crump Reveals New Findings as Mississippi Investigation Enters Critical Phase.
Disclaimer: This article is based entirely on verified information presented during the preliminary hearing and publicly reported by CNN, including courtroom testimony, official statements, and evidence described by prosecutors and defence attorneys. The allegations discussed remain part of an ongoing criminal case. David Anthony Burke (d4vd) has pleaded not guilty, and all allegations remain subject to judicial proceedings until proven in court.
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Image Credit:
- Ted Soqui – Pool/Getty Images
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