(Updated on 07/21/2026 @ 3:05 p.m.)
The case surrounding the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas entered a critical phase Tuesday as a preliminary hearing began for D4vd, the Texas singer accused of her murder. Prosecutors are laying out their case with crime scene evidence, witness testimony, and forensic findings as a judge determines whether sufficient evidence exists to move forward to trial. The circumstances surrounding both the victim and her alleged killer have raised persistent questions from the moment her decomposed remains were discovered last September.
Here’s what we know about D4vd, the investigation, and the major developments that have defined this case.
Who Is D4vd?
David “D4vd” Burke burst onto the music scene in 2022 with “Romantic Homicide,” a track that has accumulated over 205 million YouTube views. The following year, he opened for SZA’s SOS Tour and built a substantial following online. His music has appeared on Amazon Prime’s “Invincible” soundtrack, and he’s collaborated with Stray Kids, participated in Fortnite collaborations, and worked with Kali Uchis. Before his arrest, he was positioned as a rising star in contemporary music.
Rivas Goes Missing
Celeste Rivas ran away from her California home at 13 years old. Her family reported her missing, though it wasn’t her first disappearance. She called home once at the end of May 2024, then nothing. Over a year would pass before authorities found her remains.
Decomposed Body Found in D4vd’s Tesla
On September 8, 2025, Los Angeles police responded to an impound lot where they discovered a severely decomposed body, dismembered and wrapped in plastic, stuffed in the trunk of a Tesla.
Identifying Rivas’s Body
The identification took days. Officials released one distinguishing detail: the victim had “Shhh…” tattooed in red ink on her right index finger. When D4vd emerged as a person of interest, detectives noted he bore a matching tattoo in black ink on the same finger.
Rivas’s Mother Speaks Out
Rivas’s mother confirmed the matching tattoo and that her daughter had been in a relationship with someone named David. The family remembered Celeste as a “beloved daughter, sister, cousin, and friend.” A GoFundMe campaign established in her memory has raised more than $24,000 toward a $28,000 goal.
Musical Connections Between D4vd and Rivas
As early as 2023, D4vd appeared to reference Rivas in his music and posted pictures with her online. In a leaked song from December 2023, he confessed his feelings for someone named Celeste in lyrics that read: “Oh, Celeste / The girl with my name tattooed on her chest / Smell her on my clothes like cigarettes / I hear her voice each time I take a breath / I’m obsessed… Oh, Celeste / Afraid you’ll only love me when undressed / But you look so damn gorgeous in that dress / Missing you so much makes me depressed / But I digress.”
D4vd Cancels World Tour
Following the discovery of Rivas’s remains, D4vd canceled the remaining dates on his “Withered World Tour,” including scheduled performances in Los Angeles on September 20 and at the L.A. Grammy Museum on September 24.
Sponsorships End for D4vd
In the aftermath, collaborators and brands distanced themselves from D4vd. His collaboration with Kali Uchis was pulled, and he was dropped from campaigns with Hollister and Crocs.
Police Raid D4vd’s Rental Home
D4vd broke his lease and vacated the $4 million Hollywood Hills mansion he had been renting. Police searched the property on September 17, after movers were spotted removing his belongings days earlier.
D4vd Hires a Legal Team
D4vd retained criminal defense attorney Blair Berk, known for representing high-profile clients including Kanye West, Britney Spears, and Lindsay Lohan.
D4vd Moves Property Deeds
D4vd transferred two property deeds to his mother on September 18 and 22, notably coinciding with police searches. The properties were placed into a trust under his mother’s name, raising questions about asset protection strategies.
Rental Owner Hires a Private Investigator
Neighbors reported seeing D4vd’s Tesla parked at the neighborhood before authorities discovered Rivas’s remains. Mladen Trifunovic, the homeowner, hired a private investigator to determine what happened inside his property. Private investigator Steve Fischer reportedly discovered items that could be used together to dispose of a body. In December, Trifunovic revealed that a Burn Cage incinerator, which operates at 1,600 degrees, had been found on the property.
Investigative Grand Jury Forms
By November 2025, an investigative grand jury convened to examine the circumstances of Rivas’s death. Though such a jury does not issue indictments, sources indicated it was likely another jury would eventually bring charges.
Is D4vd Cooperating?
While police initially reported D4vd was cooperative, sources later told NBC4 Investigates that his stance had shifted to uncooperative once legal representation was secured.
Grand Jury Calls D4vd’s Family and Associates
D4vd’s mother, father, and brother were all subpoenaed to testify before the grand jury. The Burke family filed court documents objecting on due process grounds. His best friend Neo Langston testified on February 4, as did Robert Morgenroth, president of D4vd’s touring company.
D4vd Named ‘Target’ in Investigation
Court filings designated D4vd as a “target” in the grand jury investigation, confirming potential charges including one count of murder in connection with Rivas’s death. A prosecutor wrote that D4vd “may be involved in having committed the following criminal offenses against the laws of the State of California, to wit: One count of murder.”
D4vd Is Arrested
LAPD arrested D4vd on Thursday, April 16. A department statement noted that “The case will be presented to the District Attorney’s office on Monday for filing consideration.” He was held without bail. Rivas’s father, Jesus Rivas, responded to news of the arrest, saying, “Thank God. Justice for Celeste.”
Charges Against D4vd
LA County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced D4vd faces first-degree murder, continuous sexual abuse, and human mutilation charges. The prosecution also pursued three enhancements: lying in wait, financial gain, and murdering a witness. Prosecutors alleged D4vd killed Rivas after she threatened to expose their alleged sexual relationship, which allegedly began when she was 13.
Rivas’s Autopsy Released
An April autopsy revealed Rivas died from “multiple penetrating injuries.” The report documented wounds to her chest and abdomen consistent with sharp force trauma. Two fingers from her left hand were removed. Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Odey Ukpo noted in a statement: “After several months, I am grateful this information can now be released, not only to the public, but also to the grieving family enduring loss. It is unfathomable they have had to wait this long to learn what happened to their daughter.”
Medical Examiner Criticizes Case Secrecy
Just days before the preliminary hearing began, Dr. Ukpo spoke publicly about the delayed autopsy release. He argued that sealing such reports rarely benefits criminal investigations and instead delays crucial information for families. Since taking office in 2023, he’s advocated for greater transparency in high-profile death cases, maintaining that public access to findings promotes accountability without compromising legitimate investigations.
Preliminary Hearing Underway
D4vd’s preliminary hearing began Tuesday as prosecutors presented key evidence, witness testimony, surveillance footage, digital communications, and forensic findings. A judge will determine whether probable cause exists to proceed to trial. The defense can cross-examine witnesses but is not required to present its own case at this stage. If the judge finds sufficient evidence, the case advances to trial. If not, some or all charges could be dismissed. Burke has pleaded not guilty and remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
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