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US singer D4vd bought tools online to dispose of girl's body, prosecutors allege
TL;DR
US singer D4vd is accused of buying tools online to dispose of a girl's body after allegedly stabbing her to death. Prosecutors claim he had a sexual relationship with the victim, Celeste Rivas Hernandez, who threatened to expose him.
Key points
- D4vd accused of stabbing a teen girl to death
- He allegedly bought chainsaws and a shovel online
- Prosecutors claim he had a sexual relationship with the victim
- Text messages show the victim threatened to expose him
- D4vd has pleaded not guilty
Mentioned in this story
D4vdCeleste Rivas Hernandez
US singer D4vd has been accused of purchasing multiple tools online - including chainsaws and a shovel - after prosecutors say he stabbed a teen girl to death.
The new allegations against the TikTok star were released as part of an extensive evidence filing in the case, which details more about his alleged motive and the steps prosecutors say he took to cover his tracks before her dismembered body was found in his car.
Prosecutors say he had a lengthy sexual relationship Celeste Rivas Hernandez, starting when she was 13 years old and he was 18, and say text messages show she'd threatened to expose their illicit relationship and "destroy his life".
The singer has pleaded not guilty in the case.
Warning: This story contains distressing content and details of death.
Attorneys for D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, have maintained they "will vigorously defend David's innocence" and said they believe the "evidence will show that David did not kill Celeste".
In court on Wednesday, his attorneys tried to block the release of the nine-page filing, saying it will lead to more media coverage and could affect him getting a fair trial.
"We do have a very real concern about the amount and white hot focus and attention on this case for the last seven months and specifically in the last two weeks," his lawyer Blair Berk told the judge arguing for the document to be sealed.
Judge Charlaine Olmedo allowed for the document to be released but did agree to keep other pieces of evidence sealed from public disclosure.
Another hearing in the case is due to take place on 15 May.
D4vd, who rose to fame on TikTok with the viral hits Romantic Homicide and Here With me, was on tour when police found Rivas Hernandez's body in the front truck of his Tesla in September 2025. His worldwide tour was cancelled and he largely retreated from public life and social media.
Los Angeles police announced his arrest earlier this month.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman filed seven criminal charges against him, including murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child and the mutilation of remains.
They said the teen had been reported missing by her family and was last seen Burke's Hollywood Hills home on 3 April 2025. Her body was found decomposing in Burke's Tesla five months later.
Rivas Hernandez's family made their first public statement shortly after that, describing the love they had for the teen and calling for justice in her death.
Q&A
What tools did D4vd allegedly buy to dispose of the body?
D4vd is accused of purchasing chainsaws and a shovel online to dispose of the girl's body.
What was the nature of D4vd's relationship with Celeste Rivas Hernandez?
D4vd allegedly had a lengthy sexual relationship with Celeste Rivas Hernandez, starting when she was 13 years old.
What are the latest allegations against D4vd in this case?
Prosecutors allege that D4vd stabbed a teen girl to death and took steps to cover his tracks before her dismembered body was found in his car.
