US singer D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, is facing growing legal troubles after prosecutors revealed that he allegedly bought tools online, including chainsaws, to dispose of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s body following her murder.
The tools were purchased days after prosecutors say D4vd fatally stabbed the teenager at his Hollywood Hills home.
In newly released court filings, prosecutors allege that after the stabbing, D4vd purchased an inflatable pool, a body bag, a shovel, and a “burn cage” as part of an alleged attempt to cover up the crime. They claim he planned to incinerate evidence, and that the teen’s remains were dismembered in his garage.
The filing provides a detailed account of events, including text messages between D4vd and Rivas Hernandez, in which she allegedly threatened to expose their illicit relationship. Prosecutors say the teen sent a text on April 22, 2025, threatening to “destroy his life” by revealing their relationship. Authorities believe she was killed the following day.
Prosecutors allege that D4vd ordered an Uber for Rivas Hernandez to come to his home, where she was later killed. Text messages between them were allegedly part of his attempt to cover up the murder.
D4vd’s first studio album was released just days after the alleged killing, on April 25, 2025. Despite his rising fame, the singer’s worldwide tour was canceled, and he retreated from public life after the discovery of the girl’s dismembered body in the trunk of his Tesla in September 2025.
At a court appearance on Wednesday, D4vd appeared in shackles and an orange jail jumpsuit. He said little aside from acknowledging the delay of his preliminary hearing until late May. His defense team maintains that the evidence will prove his innocence.
D4vd faces seven criminal charges, including murder, sexual abuse of a child, and mutilating remains. Prosecutors say the teen was reported missing by her family on April 3, 2025, and her decomposing body was found five months later in the trunk of D4vd’s Tesla.
Authorities have also revealed that a significant amount of child sexual abuse material was found during D4vd’s arrest, further compounding the charges against him.
At the hearing, D4vd’s attorneys argued to seal the release of the court filings, citing concerns over media attention that could affect his right to a fair trial. However, Judge Charlaine Olmedo allowed the release of the nine-page filing but agreed to keep some evidence sealed.
A follow-up hearing is scheduled for next month as the case continues to attract international attention.
Elijah Adeyemi
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