US singer D4vd bought tools online to dispose of girl's body, prosecutors allege

Key developments are emerging from the global stage. US singer D4vd bought tools online to dispose of girl's body, prosecutors allege 4 hours ago Share Save Add as preferred on Google Nardine Saad , Los Angeles and Regan Morris , Los Angeles court Watch: "Every parent's nightmare" - What we learned from the charges against D4vd US singer D4vd has been accused of purchasing tools online - including chainsaws - after prosecutors say he stabbed a teen girl to death. The allegations were released in an evidence filing, which details his alleged motive and steps prosecutors say he took to cover his tracks before 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez's dismembered body was found in his car. Prosecutors say he met Rivas Hernandez when she was 11, and allege he started sexually abusing her when she was 13 and he was 18.

They allege the teen sent text messages threatening to reveal their illicit relationship and "destroy his life" before she was killed. D4vd, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, has pleaded not guilty. Warning: This story contains distressing content and details of death.

The Details

Getty Images Attorneys for D4vd have maintained they "will vigorously defend David's innocence" and said they believe the "evidence will show that David did not kill Celeste". He appeared in court on Wednesday as attorneys and prosecutors argued over the public release of the filing. He wore an orange Los Angeles County jail jumpsuit and was shackled while being escorted into the courtroom.

He said very little aside from "yes, your honour" when the judge asked if he was OK with his preliminary hearing being delayed until late May. In the court filing on Wednesday, prosecutors allege that Burke stabbed the teen multiple times at his home. The filing states prosecutors tracked purchases he'd made online using a fake name in the days after, including two chainsaws, an inflatable blue pool, a body bag and a shovel.

They allege he also purchased a "burn cage" and made plans to incinerate evidence, the filing states. The filing outlines previous interactions authorities had with the singer, including after the teen was reported missing in 2024 by her family. Prosecutors say that text messages outline a lengthy argument on 22 April 2025 over the singer's relationship with other women.

What Experts Say

Rivas Hernandez texted threats to "disclose damaging information about her relationship with the defendant to end his career," the filing states. Prosecutors say in the court document that they believe the teen was killed the following day. Prosecutors say D4vd ordered an Uber for Rivas Hernandez that day to come to his home and she was dropped off there.

They say he texted her multiple times, asking where she was, but prosecutors allege that the messages were part of his plan "to cover up the murder," the filing states. D4vd's first studio album was released that week - on 25 April. In the days after her alleged killing, prosecutors say the singer made an array of purchases online to dispose of Rivas Hernandez's body.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.