Prosecutors on Tuesday began outlining in graphic detail their murder case against the indie pop vocalist known as D4vd, accused of fatally stabbing and dismembering his 14-year-old girlfriend after she threatened to make their relationship public.
David Burke, known professionally as D4vd, became a music sensation on TikTok in 2022, which landed him a recording deal. His first studio album was released in April 2025, in the week his girlfriend Celeste Rivas Hernandez went missing.
Burke, 21, was arrested in April 2026 and has pleaded not guilty to charges including first-degree murder, mutilation of human remains and child sexual abuse.
A police detective described the discovery of a body, later identified through dental records as Celeste, in a car at an impound lot in Hollywood in September 2025.
Police were called to the facility when workers noticed a strong odor emanating from the vehicle, according to testimony from Los Angeles Police Department Detective Joshua Byers.
The victim's parents were seated in the courtroom as Byers described a gruesome scene, recounting a “very distinctive smell” of decay familiar to homicide detectives.
According to court filings, Burke is accused of killing 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez in April 2025 after she allegedly threatened to reveal details of their relationship, which prosecutors claim could have damaged his rapidly growing music career.
Authorities allege the teenager disappeared after travelling to Burke's home. Her remains were discovered five months later in the trunk of an abandoned vehicle registered to the singer.
The 21-year-old Burke, seated at the defense table in orange jail garb for the preliminary hearing, watched the screen, appearing to follow along attentively.
Prosecutors allege Burke had been in a sexual relationship with the victim for several years and have cited recovered text messages and other evidence as part of their case.
They also allege the killing was financially motivated, claiming Burke feared public disclosure of the relationship could jeopardise his recording career and commercial endorsements.
Burke rose to prominence in 2022 after songs recorded on his phone for gaming videos went viral on TikTok.
His breakout single "Romantic Homicide" led to a record deal with Interscope Records, and he later performed at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.
"We believe the actual evidence will show David Burke did not murder Celeste Rivas Hernandez, nor was he the cause of her death," defense attorney Blair Berk said during her client's April 20 arraignment.
District Attorney Nathan Hochman, speaking to reporters outside the courthouse, said prosecutors would call more than 10 witnesses over three to five days and decide later whether to seek the death penalty.
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