David Anthony Burke, the singer better known as d4vd, was supposed to be indie-pop's next big thing. He went viral on TikTok with tracks like "Romantic Homicide," a song that’s now being looked at through a much darker lens. Today, he isn't topping the charts. He's sitting in a Los Angeles jail cell facing charges that read like a script from a low-budget horror flick.
Prosecutors aren't just accusing him of a crime. They're alleging a systematic, brutal execution and cover-up of a 14-year-old girl named Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The details are stomach-turning. We aren't talking about a simple accident or a heat-of-the-moment mistake. We're talking about chainsaws, inflatable pools, and a body left to rot in a high-end electric car. In similar developments, we also covered: Why the UAE Leaving OPEC is a Masterclass in Economic Betrayal.
What actually happened in that Hollywood Hills garage
The case against Burke took a massive leap forward on Wednesday when the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office filed new court documents. They allege that on April 23, 2025, Burke paid for a rideshare to bring Hernandez to his home. She was a 14-year-old runaway from Lake Elsinore. He was 21.
According to the filing, the motive was simple and cold: silence. Prosecutors claim Hernandez threatened to expose their "sexual relationship" and "ruin his music career." To prevent that, they say Burke stabbed her multiple times and watched her bleed out. The Washington Post has analyzed this important issue in extensive detail.
But the most gruesome part allegedly happened in his garage.
Prosecutors say Burke used a "burn cage" and an inflatable pool to contain the mess while he used two chainsaws to dismember the girl’s body. DNA evidence found in that garage supposedly ties the scene directly to Hernandez. It’s a level of calculation that’s hard to wrap your head around, especially coming from a musician whose brand was built on "lo-fi" and "vibe."
The Tesla discovery and the long investigation
For months, the music world wondered why Burke was canceling tours and disappearing from the spotlight. The answer was sitting in a Hollywood tow yard.
In September 2025, an abandoned Tesla Model Y registered to Burke was towed. When workers noticed a "strong odor of decay," they called the cops. Inside the front trunk—the "frunk"—detectives found two black bags. One contained a head and torso. The other contained limbs.
It took months of forensic work because of how badly the remains had decomposed. While that was happening, Burke was out on tour, performing for fans as if nothing had happened. He only stopped when the rumors became too loud to ignore.
Key evidence cited by prosecutors
- Digital footprints: Burke allegedly ordered a shovel, body bags, laundry bags, and those two chainsaws through Amazon and Postmates.
- The "Lying in Wait" charge: Text messages show he led Hernandez to believe they had a future together right before her death.
- Child abuse images: Police say they found images of the victim on Burke's phone, suggesting the abuse started when she was just 13.
A career built on dark lyrics
It’s impossible to ignore the irony of Burke’s biggest hit, "Romantic Homicide." The song features lyrics about death and complicated feelings, which fans once called "deep" or "edgy." Now, those same lyrics feel like a warning sign everyone missed.
His legal team, led by Blair Berk, is sticking to a "he didn't do it" defense. They've stated that the evidence will show he wasn't the cause of her death. But with DNA in the garage and a paper trail for the tools used to dismember her, they've got a steep hill to climb.
Burke is being held without bail. He’s facing first-degree murder with special circumstances, which means the death penalty is technically on the table, though prosecutors haven't decided if they'll seek it yet.
If you're following this case, the next big date is May 26, 2026. That’s when the preliminary hearing is set to go down. Expect the prosecution to lay out even more digital evidence and witness testimony. If you've been a fan or just someone following the true crime beats, it's time to realize the "indie darling" persona is likely gone for good.
Stay updated on the court filings through the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s official portal or through accredited legal news outlets. The discovery phase is still active, and more messages between the two are expected to surface soon.
Detailed report on d4vd murder charges
This video provides a breakdown of the specific legal charges and the timeline leading up to the discovery of the remains in the Tesla.
