Newly unsealed court documents have unveiled that emerging music artist D4vd, legally named David Anthony Burke, has been formally designated as a target in a high-profile grand jury investigation concerning the murder and dismemberment of a 14-year-old California girl. The case centers on the September 2025 discovery of Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s remains inside a Tesla vehicle registered to the singer’s Texas address.
Investigative reports detail how authorities responding to foul odor complaints at a Hollywood impound lot discovered Hernandez’s decomposed torso and head within a cadaver bag placed in the front trunk of the vehicle. Subsequent examination revealed additional black bags containing her severed limbs. Forensic analysis indicated the victim had been deceased for several weeks prior to discovery.
The legal proceedings took a significant turn when D4vd’s family members received summons to testify before the California grand jury. His father, Dawud Burke, mounted a legal challenge in Texas courts arguing the subpoena violated due process rights due to heavily redacted documentation. This legal maneuver resulted in the unprecedented release of previously sealed investigation materials.
While no formal charges have been filed and D4vd maintains non-suspect status, court filings explicitly state he may face proceedings for one count of murder. The artist’s representatives have previously stated his cooperation with law enforcement, though his legal counsel declined to comment on recent developments.
The case has drawn additional scrutiny due to the Los Angeles Medical Examiner’s office receiving a rare security hold order, preventing public release of autopsy findings. Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Odey Ukpo noted such practices are ‘virtually unheard of in other counties’ and lack proven benefit to legal outcomes. The Los Angeles District Attorney’s office has declined comment as the secretive grand jury proceedings continue.