Prosecutors have claimed that singer D4vd purchased tools online — including chainsaws – to dispose of the body of Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
The claims were disclosed in a newly released court filing detailing what prosecutors described as his motive and alleged efforts to cover up the crime before 14-year-old Celeste’s dismembered body was discovered in his car.
The 21-year-old musician, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, was arrested at a home in Hollywood on April 16. He is being held without bail.
He is charged with first-degree murder with special circumstances, along with additional charge including lewd acts with a minor and mutilation of a body.
The singer pleaded not guilty to the murder charge in his first court appearance since his arrest.
D4vd appeared in court on Wednesday wearing an orange Los Angeles County jail jumpsuit and shackles. He spoke briefly, responding “yes, your honour” when asked about postponing his preliminary hearing until late May.
Prosecutors alleged in the filing that Burke stabbed the teen multiple times at his home.
They also claimed he made several online purchases using a fake name in the days after the alleged killing, including two chainsaws, an inflatable pool, a body bag and a shovel.
The document further alleged that he purchased a “burn cage” and made plans to incinerate evidence.
The filing outlined prior interactions with authorities, including when the teen was reported missing by her family in 2024.
Prosecutors claimed text messages showed a heated argument on April 22, 2025, over the singer’s relationships with other women, with the teen allegedly threatening to reveal damaging information about him. They believe she was killed the following day.
According to the filing, the singer ordered a ride for the teenager to his home and later sent multiple messages asking about her whereabouts — actions prosecutors described as part of an attempt to cover up the crime.
The singer’s debut studio album was released on April 25, days after the alleged incident.
Prosecutors alleged that he dismembered the victim’s body in the garage of his Hollywood Hills residence.
They also claimed surveillance footage showed Burke was the last person to drive his Tesla, where the body was eventually found in September 2025.
During Wednesday’s hearing, Burke’s lawyers attempted to block the release of the nine-page filing, arguing it could prejudice his right to a fair trial due to intense media scrutiny.
However, Charlaine Olmedo, the judge, ruled that the document could be made public while agreeing to keep certain evidence sealed.
Another hearing in the case is scheduled for next month.
The singer was also recently accused of possessing a “significant amount” of child pornography.
