US Singer D4vd Allegedly Purchased Chainsaws, Pool, Body Bag After Teen’s Murder
New court filings allege that US singer David Anthony Burke, performing as D4vd, procured chainsaws, an inflatable pool, and a body bag online following the alleged stabbing death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. These details emerged in an evidence filing that also outlines the alleged motive and Burke's supposed attempts to conceal the crime before Rivas Hernandez’s dismembered remains were discovered in his vehicle.
Prosecutors Detail Allegations
Prosecutors contend Burke initiated a sexual relationship with Rivas Hernandez when she was 13 and he was 18. Text messages reportedly show the teenager threatening to reveal their connection and “destroy his life” prior to her death. Burke has entered a not guilty plea to charges including murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child, and the mutilation of remains.
The court filing from Wednesday claims Burke stabbed Rivas Hernandez multiple times at his residence. It further alleges that in the days immediately following the incident, Burke used a false name to purchase two chainsaws, an inflatable blue pool, a body bag, a shovel, and a “burn cage,” reportedly intending to incinerate evidence. Surveillance footage reportedly shows Burke as the last individual driving his Tesla, where the body was located in September 2025.
Attorneys for Burke assert they will “vigorously defend David’s innocence,” stating that they believe “the evidence will show that David did not kill Celeste.”
Case Background and Legal Proceedings
Rivas Hernandez was reported missing by her family in April 2025, having last been seen at Burke’s Hollywood Hills home. Her body was found decomposing in Burke’s Tesla five months later, in September 2025. The filing traces a heated argument on 22 April 2025, where Rivas Hernandez allegedly threatened to expose damaging information to end Burke’s career. Prosecutors believe she was killed the following day.
Burke appeared in court on Wednesday, shackled and wearing a Los Angeles County jail jumpsuit, as arguments proceeded over the public release of the nine-page filing. His legal team argued against its release, citing concerns over media coverage impacting his right to a fair trial. Judge Charlaine Olmedo permitted the document’s release while agreeing to seal other evidence. A further hearing is scheduled for next month.
D4vd, who gained prominence on TikTok, saw his global tour cancelled and largely withdrew from public life after Rivas Hernandez’s body was discovered in his vehicle’s front boot.
