Days after singer and songwriter D4vd was charged with murder, sexual abuse, and dismemberment in the killing of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, prosecutors have revealed a series of disturbing allegations.
According to newly filed court documents reviewed by TMZ, prosecutors have outlined the events before and after the death of Celeste. Investigators allege that Rivas was brought to the singer's Hollywood Hills residence on April 23, 2025, after he arranged an Uber to transport her from her family home in Lake Elsinore, California. Once at the residence, prosecutors claim she was fatally stabbed.
Purchases After the Killing
Authorities allege that in the days following the incident, the artist purchased several items that prosecutors claim were used to dismember and dispose of the teen's body. Court filings state that a shovel was ordered the next day and delivered to the singer's home. A week later, D4vd purchased two chainsaws via Amazon. He also reportedly bought additional items, including a body bag, heavy-duty laundry bags, and a blue inflatable pool. However, these purchases were made under a false name: Victoria Mendez.
Details of the Dismemberment
Investigators claim that after stabbing the victim to death, the accused allegedly placed her body inside the inflatable pool set up in the garage to avoid blood from spilling out. He allegedly used tools, including the chainsaws, to dismember her body.
Celeste's autopsy report stated that her ring and pinky fingers on her left hand were nowhere to be found in the decomposing remains found in the trunk of the car. Prosecutors allege that D4vd cut off her ring finger because she had a tattoo of his name on it. Her finger has not yet been recovered.
Authorities have also reportedly recovered evidence consistent with the dismemberment of the victim's body in the inflatable pool, which contained multiple linear cuts. Several biological samples that tested positive for blood were collected within the garage area. The medical examiner's report cited the presence of blue plastic fragments embedded in recovered remains, which prosecutors say are consistent with the pool.
Surveillance and Timeline
Surveillance footage allegedly shows that D4vd was the last person to drive the car before departing for a tour in late July. Unraveling the timeline of their relationship, prosecutors state that D4vd met Rivas back in 2022, when she was just 11 years old. The singer reportedly pursued a sexual relationship with the victim in November 2023, when she was 13 and he was 18. Prosecutors also say it is clear when D4vd knew Celeste was a minor.
Charges and Defense
The artist was arrested earlier this month and charged with first-degree murder, lewd and lascivious acts with a person under 14, and mutilating a dead body. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Lead defense attorney Blair Berk said in court last week, 'We believe the actual evidence will show David Burke did not murder Celeste Rivas Hernandez.' Blair Berk, who is representing D4vd, has for many years been among the go-to lawyers for A-list clients, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, Ozzy Osbourne, and Harvey Weinstein.
