Prosecutors on the D4vd case presented a timeline of events leading to the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. In a preliminary hearing brief, they laid out when the teen allegedly met the singer, the events surrounding her death, and how prosecutors claim her body was disposed of. The filing offers a deeper look into the case as legal proceedings move forward.

D4vd, who is currently being held without bail following his April 16 arrest, made some requests regarding his court appearance, with a judge granting one and denying another.

Warning: This article includes descriptions of violence that may be distressing to some readers.

Prosecutors Claim D4vd Met Celeste Rivas Hernandez When She Was 11

On April 29, the prosecution filed a legal brief in their case against 21-year-old David Burke, professionally known as D4vd. The singer was charged with first-degree murder with special circumstances, lewd and lascivious acts with a minor under 14 years old, and mutilation of human remains.

The document presents a timeline of events, noting that the singer met Celeste Rivas Hernandez when she was just 11 years old, per ABC. The prosecution alleged that the two started a sexual relationship in late 2023, when D4vd was 18, and Hernandez was 13.

In early 2024, Hernandez’s family filed a missing person report, saying that they last had contact with the teen in May of that year. The investigation notes that she was last seen alive on April 23, 2025, at D4vd’s Hollywood Hills rental.

D4vd Allegedly Had An Argument With The Teen

The document detailed Hernandez’s final moments. On April 22, D4vd argued with Hernandez, as evidenced by text messages, in which the teen became upset over the singer’s relationships with other women and threatened to expose their relationship to derail and “destroy” his flourishing career. It was a few days before the release of D4vd’s album, “Withered,” and he was scheduled to embark on a world tour.

Prosecutors claim D4vd had an Uber bring Hernandez to his home on April 23. Based on the retrieved text messages, the teen arrived at about 10:10 p.m., but at 10:30 p.m. the singer sent another message asking where she was. They claim the text was a ruse, as they alleged that Hernandez was already dead at that time.

Prosecutors Paint A Grisly Picture Of Hernandez’s Murder

Hernandez’s autopsy report noted that she died of “penetrating wounds,” as reported by The Blast. In the court filing, the prosecution claimed that D4vd had a “premeditated plan” to conceal his alleged crime.

“Knowing he had to silence the victim before she ruined his music career as she had threatened, very soon after her arrival at his home, defendant stabbed the victim to death multiple times and stood by while she bled out,” the document read, adding that D4vd did not do any life-saving measures or call 911 afterward.

D4vd then allegedly purchased two chainsaws that he used in dismembering the teen’s body. He also bought an inflatable pool, heavy-duty laundry bags, a shovel, and a body bag. The purchases were made online using the name “Victoria Mendez.”

Dv4d Allegedly Severed Two Of The Teen’s Fingers

Hernandez’s dismembered remains were discovered in two bags in the front trunk of D4vd’s Tesla in September 2025. One of the identifying marks was a tattoo on her index finger that read, “Shhh…,” the same tattoo that the singer has.

The prosecution’s filing noted that two of Hernandez’s fingers on her left hand, the ring finger and pinky, were amputated, as her ring finger had a “David” tattoo. They claim D4vd removed the fingers in an effort to “distance himself from the victim.” “Her fingers have not been recovered,” they noted. Additionally, blue plastic fragments matching the inflatable pool were found with Hernandez’s remains.

D4vd’s rental home was searched following the discovery of Hernandez’s remains, and documents showed that investigators found evidence consistent with dismemberment, including blood samples that matched Hernandez.

D4vd’s Unusual Requests

TMZ obtained some documents regarding D4vd’s unusual requests before his court appearance. The singer’s attorneys inquired whether their client could go to court wearing a button-down shirt and dress pants instead of the typical jail uniform. Additionally, D4vd requested a haircut. While a judge denied his clothing request, she did agree to the haircut.

D4vd was scheduled to appear in court on May 1 for a preliminary hearing, but the date was pushed back to May 26. The defense team presented its concerns about the case, including the intense media scrutiny, which they argued could taint the jury. The team also requested some information to be concealed from the public, but the judge denied the request.

D4vd has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Prosecutors have not decided whether or not to seek the death penalty.