Prosecutors Present Financial and Travel Evidence in Preliminary Hearing of Musician D4vd

During the preliminary hearing for musician David Anthony Burke (known as D4vd), prosecutors introduced financial and travel records to establish a motive in the alleged murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The prosecution argues that Burke killed Hernandez in April 2025 to prevent their relationship from becoming public and damaging his lucrative music career, which included an Interscope Records contract valued up to $19 million. Burke, who has pleaded not guilty, faces charges of first-degree murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child, and mutilation of human remains after the victim's body was found in his Tesla trunk in September 2025.

// Background

David Anthony Burke, performing as D4vd, achieved rapid success in the music industry with a recording agreement valued between $13 million and $19 million. In September 2025, investigators discovered the decomposing body of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez in the trunk of Burke's Tesla, leading to charges of murder, sexual abuse, and mutilation of remains.

// Key Developments

• Musician D4vd (David Anthony Burke) is charged with first-degree murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child, and mutilation of human remains.
• Prosecutors allege the victim, 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, was killed in April 2025, and her body was found in Burke's Tesla trunk in September 2025.
• The prosecution presented evidence of Burke's massive earnings, including a recording contract valued between $13 million and $19 million, to establish a motive of protecting his career.
• Travel records show Burke booked a flight for Hernandez from Los Angeles to London in September 2025, months after her alleged death.
• Burke has pleaded not guilty to all charges and remains presumed innocent as the preliminary hearing continues.