The investigation into the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez has taken a dramatic turn, with singer D4vd – born David Anthony Burke – now officially named as a “target” by Los Angeles authorities. The case, which began with Hernandez’s disappearance in 2024, reached a grim conclusion in September 2025 when her remains were discovered in the trunk of a Tesla registered to the musician.
Details emerging from unsealed court documents paint a disturbing picture. Hernandez’s body was found dismembered in two bags within the vehicle, which had been abandoned near a Hollywood Hills home Burke was renting and subsequently towed to a police impound lot. Workers at the lot alerted authorities after detecting a strong, foul odor emanating from the car.
According to court filings obtained by multiple news outlets, police discovered a cadaver bag “covered with insects and a strong odour of decay.” Upon opening it, investigators found “a decomposed head and torso.” A second bag contained additional dismembered body parts. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office determined that Hernandez had likely been dead for “several weeks” before her body was discovered.
While D4vd has not publicly commented on the case, his actions following Hernandez’s disappearance raised early questions. He canceled scheduled performances and retained the services of a high-profile attorney, notably one previously representing figures like Harvey Weinstein, Lindsay Lohan, and Kanye West.
The grand jury investigation, previously conducted under seal, was brought to light following an appeal filed by Burke’s parents in Texas. Subpoenas were issued on January 15 to D4vd’s father, Dawud Burke, his mother, Colleen Burke, and his brother, Caleb Burke, compelling them to testify before the Los Angeles grand jury on February 11. The family members are not currently accused of any wrongdoing.
The court documents explicitly state that D4vd is being treated as a “target” who “may be involved in having committed the following criminal offences against the laws of the State of California, to wit: One count of Murder.” This designation signifies a significant escalation in the investigation, moving beyond simply questioning the musician to actively considering him as a potential perpetrator.
The case has drawn considerable attention, not only due to the celebrity status of the individual involved but also because of the horrific nature of the crime and the prolonged period before Hernandez’s remains were found. She was reported missing from Lake Elsinore, California, in 2024, and was 14 years old at the time of her death, though some initial reports listed her age as 15.
The investigation is ongoing, and D4vd has not been arrested or formally charged. However, the unsealed court documents and the designation of “target” strongly suggest that authorities are building a case against the singer. The focus now shifts to the testimony of his family members and any further evidence that may emerge from the grand jury proceedings.
The circumstances surrounding Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s death remain deeply unsettling, and the case is likely to continue to generate significant media coverage as the legal process unfolds. The details revealed in the court documents underscore the gravity of the situation and the potential for a high-profile criminal trial.
