Archive · 23 Jul 2026
David Burke Trial: Blood Evidence Presented
A singer named David Burke, who goes by the stage name D4vd, is on trial for the murder of a 14-year-old girl named Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
Prosecutors say Burke killed her because she threatened to expose their relationship, which could have ruined his career.
They presented blood evidence found in Burke's garage and car that they say matches the victim's DNA.
The defense is trying to show that the evidence might not be reliable.
The victim's body was found in Burke's Tesla, and her passport was found near a highway.
Burke has pleaded not guilty, and the trial is ongoing.
Prosecutors presented blood evidence from David Burke's garage and Tesla, alleging it matches the victim's DNA.
Defense questioned the evidence collection process, suggesting potential lapses in preserving crime scenes.
Prosecutors claim Burke killed Celeste Rivas Hernandez to protect his career after she threatened to expose their relationship.
The victim's body was found in Burke's Tesla, and her passport was found near a highway in Santa Barbara County.
Burke has pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, sexual abuse of a child, and mutilation of a body.
- Who
- David Burke (D4vd) and Celeste Rivas Hernandez
- What
- Preliminary hearing in the murder trial of David Burke
- When
- April 23, 2025 (alleged murder date), ongoing trial in 2026
- Where
- Los Angeles, California
- Why
- Prosecutors allege Burke killed Rivas Hernandez to protect his career after she threatened to expose their relationship.
Prosecution
Defense
Blood Evidence
Prosecution
Prosecutors claim blood evidence found in Burke's garage and Tesla matches the victim's DNA, proving he killed and dismembered her.
Defense
Defense argues that the evidence collection process had lapses and questions the necessity of certain tests.
Motive
Prosecution
Prosecutors allege Burke killed Rivas Hernandez to protect his career after she threatened to expose their relationship.
Defense
Defense has not publicly stated an alternative motive but is focusing on challenging the prosecution's evidence.
- Defendant
- David Burke (D4vd)
- Victim
- Celeste Rivas Hernandez
- Charges
- Murder, sexual abuse of a child, mutilation of a body
- Location of Crime
- Hollywood, Los Angeles
- Body Found
- September 2025 in a Tesla registered to Burke
- Passport Found
- January 2026 in Santa Barbara County
- Defendant's Career
- Indie-pop singer with millions of followers
- Earnings
- $10 million between 2023 and 2025