By Bailey Devereux
April 22nd 2026
David Anthony Burke is well known as successful singer and rapper ‘D4VD’. David was well on his way to becoming a mainstay within the music industry when his career was halted over suspicions of his involvement in the murder of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, a 14-year-old believed to be having sexual relations with Burke, 21.
Whilst on tour promoting his debut album, Hernandez’ body was found dismembered in the front of a Tesla belonging to the singer. Burke soon cancelled the rest of his tour across the US and Europe, amid allegations of sexual abuse with a minor and the potential murder cases coming his way. April 16th saw the arrest of the musician for these crimes, and he sat in court denying all involvement this week. The evidence continues to stack against him as the trial progresses, with orders for equipment to dispose of the body being discovered during the trial.
D4VD’s persistence in claiming innocence seems unlikely to prevail as more is brought to light in court. The law enforcement of Los Angeles has taken significant time to make a conviction against the artist as they spent time collecting all details of the homicide possible. Burke was believed to be having a sexual relationship with the victim, when his career was threatened by the teen, she was murdered and left to decompose in a car belonging to the singer. Celeste was last seen on the 23rd April 2025 after taking an Uber to Hollywood to visit the singer’s home. Her body was discovered months later in September, the decomposition of her body signifying she had been deceased for several weeks. With this evidence alone, David Burke’s involvement in this crime is clear and it’s baffling to believe that his arrest has only recently been made. Whether he is found guilty of the murder charges or not, there is a clear story of his foul acts of sexual misconduct, and this man will undoubtably see prison time, and rightfully so. Los Angeles County District Attorney, Nathan Hochman says the charges involve numerous sexual acts with a minor and mutilation of a body as well as first-degree murder. The District Attorney’s office could eventually seek the death penalty in this case, according to Hochman. No matter the defence given by Burke’s legal team, it seems incredibly unlikely for the singer to escape serious prosecution and avoid justice for the sick crimes he has committed against the innocent teenager.
Who was once a beloved, upcoming musician finding their feet in the industry, is now a guilty murderer and sexual abuser who will continue to be defamed in court as this trial continues.
