Singer D4vd Appears in Court as Autopsy Results Released in Celeste Rivas Hernandez Case

Singer D4vd Returns to Court in Connection with Teen’s Death

Los Angeles – Singer D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, is set to return to court on Thursday following the release of an autopsy report pertaining to the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose dismembered remains were discovered in the trunk of a Tesla registered to Burke.

The autopsy report, which details the "gruesome" circumstances surrounding Rivas Hernandez’s death, indicates she died from "multiple penetrating injuries." Her remains were located in two bags in the front trunk of Burke’s Tesla, prompting charges against him that include murder with special circumstances—specifically, lying in wait and killing a witness—as well as counts of sexual abuse and mutilation of remains.

The prosecution alleges that the murder occurred on or around April 23, 2025, after Rivas Hernandez was invited to Burke’s Hollywood Hills residence. Burke is currently being held without bail, and his defense team has entered a plea of not guilty.

District Attorney Nathan Hochman expressed the gravity of the situation, stating, "A parent’s nightmare is a situation when your daughter goes out one night and never comes back… Celeste… went to Mr. Burke’s house… She was never heard from again."

Defense attorneys Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski, and Regina Peter firmly disputed the allegations, asserting, "Let us be clear, the actual evidence in this case will show that David Burke did not murder Celeste Rivas Hernandez, and he was not the cause of her death."

While the autopsy has been completed, the District Attorney’s Office has not yet decided whether to pursue the death penalty. Burke’s defense team has requested a speedy preliminary hearing to challenge the evidence presented by the prosecution.

Timeline of Events:

• 2024: Rivas Hernandez is reported missing by her mother at age 13.
• April 23, 2025: Rivas Hernandez is last seen after allegedly visiting Burke’s Hollywood Hills home.
• Sept. 8, 2025: Rivas Hernandez’s remains are discovered in a towed Tesla.
• Sept. 10, 2025: Initial autopsy is performed.
• Feb. 2026: Court filings reveal specific conditions of the remains.
• Last Thursday: Burke is arrested by the LAPD.
• Dec. 9, 2025: Manner and cause of death are determined and sealed until this week.

Burke’s upcoming court appearance will focus on further proceedings, including the prosecution’s special circumstance allegations. The District Attorney’s review will likely have significant implications for the case, especially regarding the potential for a death penalty pursuit.