Prosecutors say court filings lay out allegations that pop singer D4vd, legal name David Burke, sexually abused and murdered 14‑year‑old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
According to the filings, the two met when Celeste was about 11 and a sexual relationship allegedly began when she was 13. Prosecutors contend Celeste became jealous that Burke was seeing other girls and threatened to expose their relationship, and that Burke killed her “before she ruined his music career.”
The prosecution’s brief alleges Burke purchased two chainsaws, stabbed the teenager multiple times, dismembered her body with the saws and used a pool during the attack to keep blood from spilling onto the surrounding ground. Investigators say DNA evidence linked to Celeste was found in Burke’s garage.
Burke, 21, appeared in court wearing an orange jail uniform; cameras were not allowed in the hearing. He answered “yes” when asked by a judge whether he agreed to the May 26 preliminary hearing date that the court set.
CBS News Los Angeles reported the details from the prosecution’s brief and the court appearance. These claims come from court filings and have not been proven in court. Authorities previously charged Burke in connection with Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s death. All persons charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty.