Investigation Uncovers the Events Leading to Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s Death

New court documents filed by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office provide a detailed account of the final hours of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose death has become the center of a high-profile murder case involving singer-songwriter d4vd, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke.

According to prosecutors, a heated dispute between the teenager and the rising musician on April 22, 2025, marked the breaking point in their relationship. Investigators allege that the confrontation escalated after Celeste threatened to reveal information about their relationship that she believed could seriously damage the artist’s reputation and career.

Authorities claim the argument ultimately led to her killing the following day.

Who Is d4vd?

David Anthony Burke, professionally known as d4vd, is an American singer-songwriter who first gained recognition through music created for online gaming content, including Fortnite-related productions.

The artist later achieved mainstream success with hit songs and secured a multi-million-dollar recording contract. His debut studio album, Withered, was scheduled for release shortly after the alleged crime, while several endorsement agreements had significantly increased his commercial success.

At the time of the alleged offenses, Burke was 20 years old, while Celeste Rivas Hernandez was 14.

Relationship Timeline

Court filings state that Burke and Celeste first became acquainted in 2022, when she was 11 years old.

Prosecutors allege that an inappropriate sexual relationship began in November 2023, when Burke was 18 and Celeste was 13.

Although the pair reportedly ended their romantic relationship in November 2024, investigators say they continued communicating through text messages and allegedly maintained a sexual relationship.

Evidence presented by prosecutors suggests Celeste wanted a deeper emotional commitment, while the relationship remained unstable and increasingly strained.

Alleged Motive Behind the Killing

According to prosecutors, text messages exchanged before Celeste’s death reveal growing tension between the two.

Investigators allege Celeste became upset over Burke’s interactions with other women and warned that she would publicly disclose damaging details about their relationship.

The prosecution argues Burke feared the allegations could jeopardize his rapidly growing music career, upcoming album release, and lucrative endorsement agreements.

Officials believe this concern became the primary motive behind the alleged murder.

Prosecutors Describe the Alleged Killing

Court documents state that on the evening of April 23, 2025, Burke arranged transportation for Celeste by sending an Uber to her home in Lake Elsinore, California.

She reportedly arrived at his Hollywood Hills residence around 10:10 p.m.

Prosecutors allege that shortly after arriving, Celeste was stabbed multiple times inside the home. They claim Burke allowed her to die from her injuries before attempting to conceal the crime.

The allegations remain accusations that have not been proven in court.

Alleged Dismemberment and Efforts to Conceal the Crime

Investigators claim Burke later purchased several items online, including:

• Two chainsaws
• A cadaver bag
• Heavy-duty garbage bags
• A blue inflatable pool

According to prosecutors, the inflatable pool was used to prevent blood from spreading while Celeste’s body was allegedly dismembered.

Forensic experts later matched blue plastic fragments recovered from the remains to the inflatable pool discovered during the investigation.

Authorities also allege that two fingers from Celeste’s left hand were removed because one contained a tattoo bearing Burke’s name. Those fingers have never been recovered.

Discovery of the Victim’s Remains

Prosecutors allege that parts of Celeste’s body were placed into multiple bags before being hidden inside the front trunk of Burke’s Tesla.

Investigators claim the vehicle remained parked for several weeks while the body decomposed.

On September 8, 2025, authorities discovered Celeste’s remains after impounding the vehicle. The discovery came one day after what would have been her 15th birthday.

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner reported that the remains were in an advanced stage of decomposition.

Criminal Charges Against d4vd

David Anthony Burke was arrested in April 2026 and now faces multiple felony charges, including:

• First-degree murder with special circumstances
• Continuous sexual abuse of a child under the age of 14
• Mutilation of human remains

He has entered a not guilty plea to every charge.

His attorney, Blair Berk, has stated that Burke is innocent and argues that evidence will ultimately show he neither murdered Celeste nor caused her death.

The criminal case remains ongoing.

Family Responds to the Investigation

Celeste had reportedly been listed as missing several times throughout 2024 and 2025 before investigators located her remains.

Her family’s attorney said the loss has caused unimaginable emotional suffering, adding that relatives continue trying to rebuild their lives while mourning the teenager’s death.

The family has asked for privacy as the legal proceedings continue.

Current Status of the Case

The prosecution continues preparing its case while Burke remains charged with murder and related offenses.

Investigators maintain that digital evidence, forensic findings, and witness testimony support the allegations. Meanwhile, the defense insists the accusations are false and says it will challenge the prosecution’s evidence during trial.

A final verdict will be determined through the court process.