Musician David Anthony Burke, known professionally as D4vd, is facing trial for the alleged murder and dismemberment of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The legal proceedings follow a preliminary hearing where a judge ruled there was sufficient cause to move forward with the case.
The 2023 supermarket video and the "Romantic Homicide" irony
A promotional clip shared by TikTok user Nicolas Nuvan has gained renewed attention as the legal battle against David Anthony Burke intensifies. In the footage, the 21-year-old artist appeared in a supermarket wearing a white shirt stained with what he claimed was fake blood. He jokingly discussed using laundry detergent to clean the stains while singing his track "Romantic Homicide."
While the video was intended as lighthearted promotion, its resurgence provides a jarring contrast to the current allegations. As reported by TMZ, merchandise featuring the fake blood was pulled from sale in September 2025, but the visual of the artist covered in red now feels like a dark omen to those following the case . This aesthetic, once a marketing tool, has become inextricably linked to the gruesome details of the prosecution's claims.
A Hollywood Hills garage and the Tesla discovery
Prosecutors allege that the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez occurred in April 2025 within a garage in the Hollywood Hills. According to court documents, Burke allegedly used a chainsaw to dismemebr the teenager inside an inflatable pool. This detail was supported by the discovery of blue plastic fragments from such a pool embedded in the victim's remains.
The investigation took a significant turn when authorities located Rivas' remains inside a Tesla registered to Burke. This physical evidence, combined with the forensic findings, formed the basis for Judge Charlaine Olmedo's decision to deny bail and allow the case to proceed to trial.
Text messages and the motive to protect a music career
The prosecution’s case hinges on the claim that Burke murdered Rivas to prevent their relationship from damaging his professional standing. During a preliminary hearing, Detective Corey Farell and Deputy District Attorney Beth Silverman presented evidence suggesting a calculated effort to hide the truth. This included text messages where Rivas discussed a prior medical procedure, which investigators believe relates to the timeline of their relationship.
Furthermore, the court heard testimony regarding disturbing digital evidence found on Burke's phone. While specific images of child sexual abuse were not shown to the public due to their graphic nature, their presence has significantly heightened the gravity of the charges against the artist.
The defense's upcoming battle over the Tesla evidence
As the legal process moves toward the August 31,2026, arraignment, several critical points remain unverified. While the prosecution has presented a narrative of a calculated murder,the defense has not yet presented a counter-narrative regarding the presence of the remains in Burke's Tesla or the specific circumstances of the April 2025 timeline.
The court also faces the challenge of addressing the emotional weight of the testimony provided by Rivas' parents. Whether the digital evidence found on the phone can be directly linked to the motive of career protection remains one of the most significant hurdles for the prosecution to clear during the upcoming trial.
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