D4vd pleads not guilty as prosecutors allege he bought chainsaw after Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s death

A court filing details allegations that US singer D4vd purchased tools online after prosecutors say he fatally stabbed a teenage girl.

Prosecutors allege the singer, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, bought items including chainsaws, a body bag and a shovel in the days following the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.

Her dismembered body was later found in his car.

According to the filing, Burke met the girl when she was 11 and is accused of beginning sexual abuse when she was 13 and he was 18.

Prosecutors claim she sent messages threatening to reveal their relationship and “destroy his life” before she was killed.

Burke has pleaded not guilty. His attorneys said they “will vigorously defend David’s innocence” and believe “the evidence will show that David did not kill Celeste”.

The court document alleges the teenager was stabbed multiple times at Burke’s home on April 23, 2025.

It further states that he used a fake name to make online purchases, including a “burn cage” and an inflatable pool, and planned to incinerate evidence.

Prosecutors also claim Burke ordered a car to bring the girl to his home and sent messages asking her location as part of an effort “to cover up the murder”.

Surveillance footage cited in the filing reportedly shows Burke as the last person to drive the vehicle where the body was discovered in September 2025.

During a court appearance on Wednesday, Burke spoke briefly, confirming he agreed to delay his preliminary hearing until late May.

His legal team sought to prevent the release of the filing, citing concerns over media attention and its impact on a fair trial.

Judge Charlaine Olmedo permitted its release while keeping some evidence sealed. Another hearing is scheduled for next month.