LOS ANGELES, April 30 — A newly released court filing has unveiled disturbing allegations against musician D4vd, with prosecutors claiming he mutilated the body of a teenage victim in an effort to conceal his connection to the crime.
According to documents submitted in Los Angeles County court, the artist — whose legal name is David Anthony Burke — is accused of killing 17-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez on April 23, 2025, just days before a major milestone in his music career.
Prosecutors allege that after the killing, Burke dismembered the victim’s body using a chainsaw and placed the remains into bags, which were later stored in the trunk of his vehicle.
Disturbing Allegations Detailed in Filing
In one of the most shocking claims, investigators say two of the victim’s fingers were severed and never recovered. One of those fingers allegedly bore a tattoo linked to Burke, which prosecutors argue was intentionally removed to distance himself from the victim.
The filing states that this act was part of a broader attempt to eliminate identifying evidence.
Authorities also claim Burke sent messages from the victim’s phone after her death, allegedly to create the impression she was still alive and to deflect suspicion.
Discovery of Evidence
The case took a turn months later when Burke’s vehicle was impounded. Staff at the storage facility alerted police after noticing a strong odor and insect activity around the car, prompting further investigation.
Surveillance footage reportedly places Burke as the last known driver of the vehicle before he left for a tour in mid-2025.
Medical Findings and Prior Evidence
A medical examination cited in the case concluded that the victim died from multiple penetrating injuries. The report also noted missing fingers, consistent with the prosecution’s claims.
Investigators have pointed to tattoos as a potential link between Burke and the victim, though key physical evidence — including the missing fingers — has not been recovered.
Motive and Relationship Under Scrutiny
Prosecutors allege that Burke and the victim had a long-standing relationship that began when she was a minor. The filing claims tensions escalated shortly before her death, with arguments and alleged threats to expose the relationship.
Authorities argue this may have provided a motive, suggesting Burke acted to prevent reputational and legal consequences.
Charges and Legal Response
Burke was arrested earlier this month following what officials described as an extensive investigation. He now faces multiple charges, including first-degree murder, which could carry the death penalty if proven in court.
Additional charges include allegations related to abuse of a minor and unlawful handling of human remains.
He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and remains in custody pending trial.
Defense attorneys have denied the accusations, stating that Burke was not responsible for the victim’s death and that they intend to challenge the prosecution’s case.
Note: The allegations described in this report are based on court filings and have not yet been proven in a court of law.
