Remains Found in Vehicle Point to Graphic Allegations
== Authorities allege David Burke, known as D4vd, murdered 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, mutilating her body and specifically severing fingers to conceal evidence. ==
Celeste Rivas Hernandez's remains were discovered on September 8, 2025, inside a Tesla registered to David Burke, professionally known as D4vd. An autopsy report from the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner revealed that two fingers were missing from the teenager's hands at the time of discovery. == One of these missing fingers allegedly bore a tattoo of "David," a detail prosecutors claim was deliberately removed to hide the musician's identity and their connection. ==
Burke was arrested in April 2026 and subsequently charged with first-degree murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains. Prosecutors contend that Burke killed Rivas Hernandez, then used chainsaws to dismember her body. He is accused of purchasing the tools, along with a body bag and other materials, to dispose of the remains. These actions are alleged to have occurred with the intent to prevent her from exposing their relationship, which prosecutors state began when she was 13 and he was 18, and to protect his burgeoning music career.
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"Prosecutors allege Burke used one of the chainsaws to dismember her body in the inflatable pool, specifically to contain blood and prevent it from spilling onto his garage floor."
Online Sleuths Connect D4vd's Visuals to Case
Online speculation, fueled by social media posts and forum discussions, has linked a visual element from D4vd's work to the ongoing investigation. Specifically, attention has focused on a music video titled "Wrapped Finger." While details remain scarce, this connection has emerged from internet sleuths examining past social media content related to Rivas Hernandez.
Background on the Investigation and Relationship
Timeline of Events and Relationship Allegations
Prosecutors assert that David Burke and Celeste Rivas Hernandez first met when she was 11 years old, initiating a sexual relationship when she was 13 and he was 18. The alleged murder occurred around April 23, 2025, shortly before the release of Burke's debut album. Text messages reportedly obtained by prosecutors indicate the existence of their sexual relationship, including allegations of child sexual abuse material on Burke's phone.
Rivas Hernandez's family had reported her missing multiple times in early 2024 to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department. Her remains were not discovered until months later. Prosecutors believe the mutilation of her body may have occurred around May 5, 2025.
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"The Rivas Hernandez family's lawyers said, 'The family is absolutely devastated.'"
Burke's defense team has maintained his innocence, stating he did not cause Rivas Hernandez's death. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges. His preliminary hearing was scheduled for May 26, 2026, following a status hearing on May 12, 2026.
Legal Proceedings and Defense Stance
David Burke, a musician, is currently in custody. His arrest on April 16, 2026, followed a protracted investigation. The severity of the charges, including first-degree murder, could carry the death penalty. His legal team continues to assert his lack of culpability in Rivas Hernandez's death.
"His lawyers have said he is innocent and did not cause Rivas Hernandez’s death."
