D4vd Identified as ‘Target’ in Celeste Rivas Hernandez Murder Case
Singer D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, has been identified as the “target” of a grand jury investigation linked to the murder case of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. This information comes from newly unsealed court documents reviewed by El-Balad.
The Investigation’s Development
Recent legal petitions have revealed that the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office considers D4vd a primary subject in their inquiry. The 151-page document, filed in Texas, contains testimonies sought from his family, including his father, Dawud Burke, his mother, Colleen Burke, and his brother, Caleb Burke. These testimonies are set to begin on February 11.
Details Around the Homicide
The court records indicated that D4vd may be involved in a homicide case categorized as one count of murder. Investigators discovered disturbing evidence when they opened the trunk of D4vd’s Tesla after it was towed on September 8, 2025.
- Detectives found a black cadaver bag infested with insects, emitting a strong odor.
- Upon inspection, a decomposed head and torso were visible.
- A second black bag with severed body parts was located underneath the first bag.
Legal Proceedings and Family Testimonies
The initial records were filed under seal in California but later became public through a Texas Appellate proceeding. The musician’s relatives, described as having a close relationship with D4vd, faced subpoenas that they claimed were too vague. This prompted a legal battle over their required testimonies.
During a hearing in Waller County, Texas, Assistant District Attorney Bennett Dodson argued for the necessity of the family’s testimony, stating, “If a car with a dismembered, decomposing body is registered to your home address, that is something you should expect to be questioned about.”
Subsequently, the First District Court of Appeals in Texas denied the family’s petitions to dismiss the subpoenas. However, following this decision, a lawyer for D4vd’s family filed a new motion with the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, which temporarily halted the lower court’s order for the family to testify in California.
The Victim and Her Background
The investigation began following reports of Rivas’ disappearance in February and April 2024. It took medical examiners a week to identify her remains due to severe decomposition.
Los Angeles Police Detective Joshua Byers described the case as an active homicide investigation. He also requested a court order to keep autopsy details confidential, fearing public release would hinder the ongoing investigation.
Impact on D4vd’s Career
D4vd, a platinum-selling artist who gained fame through TikTok, rose to prominence in 2022 with hit singles like “Romantic Homicide” and “Here With Me.” However, due to the investigation, the deluxe edition of his debut album, *Withered*, was shelved, and the remaining dates of his U.S. tour were canceled.
The ongoing legal proceedings continue to capture media attention as the search for justice in the case of Celeste Rivas Hernandez unfolds.
