Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s left ring and pinky fingers have not been recovered as the murder case against singer David Anthony Burke, known professionally as D4vd, advances toward trial in Los Angeles County.
Prosecutors say the missing digits remain among several pieces of evidence still sought while they prepare for trial. According to court documents filed in the case, the ring finger bore a tattoo of Burke’s name. A Los Angeles Superior Court judge ruled in late July 2026 that sufficient evidence exists to proceed after a multi-day preliminary hearing at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center.
Burke, 21, faces charges of first-degree murder with special circumstances, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains. He has pleaded not guilty. The special circumstances include allegations of lying in wait, murder for financial gain, and murder of a witness, according to the criminal complaint. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman announced the charges on April 20, 2026. The case is being handled by the Los Angeles Police Department’s Robbery-Homicide Division and Deputy District Attorney Beth Silverman of the Major Crimes Division. Burke remains held without bail. Prosecutors have not yet decided whether to seek the death penalty.
Rivas Hernandez, born September 7, 2010, was 14 when she died. She was from Lake Elsinore in Riverside County and had been reported missing as a runaway. Her remains were discovered on September 8, 2025, in the front trunk of a Tesla registered to Burke that had been reported abandoned and towed to a Hollywood yard. The remains were in two bags and showed advanced decomposition, according to police and medical examiner records. An autopsy by the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner determined the cause of death as multiple penetrating injuries and the manner as homicide. The left ring and pinky fingers were noted as missing and never located.
Prosecutors allege that on the night of April 23, 2025, Burke arranged a rideshare to bring Rivas Hernandez from her family’s home in Lake Elsinore to his rented residence in the Hollywood Hills. They say she was last known to be alive there. Court filings state that Rivas Hernandez had been a witness in an investigation into alleged lewd acts involving Burke and that she had threatened to disclose information about their relationship that could harm his music career. Burke’s debut album was released around that period. He had gained attention with the 2022 track “Romantic Homicide” and later signed with Interscope Records. He performed at Coachella in 2025.
According to the prosecution’s evidence brief and testimony at the preliminary hearing, investigators recovered matching “Shhh…” tattoos on the right index fingers of both Rivas Hernandez and Burke. Booking photos showed Burke also had the name “Celeste” tattooed on his left ring finger. Text messages and other digital evidence presented in court referenced a relationship that prosecutors say began when Rivas Hernandez was under 14. Testimony included references to an abortion in early 2024. Defense attorneys, including Blair Berk, have stated that the evidence will show Burke did not cause her death.
Court documents and hearing testimony describe additional physical evidence recovered from the Tesla and from searches of Burke’s residence, including plastic fragments consistent with an inflatable pool purchased online. Prosecutors allege the remains were placed in the vehicle after the killing and remained there for months. The alleged murder weapon has not been recovered, according to statements attributed to prosecutors preparing for trial. Surveillance footage, a purse, and certain phones connected to the investigation are also among items still being sought.
Rivas Hernandez’s parents, Jesus Rivas and Mercedes Martinez, attended portions of the preliminary hearing. Family attorney Patrick Steinfeld has described the details presented in court as causing profound pain to the family. They have rejected online speculation that Burke or his relatives provided them money. A memorial has been noted near the family’s community in Lake Elsinore.
Burke was arrested on April 16, 2026, at a location on Marmont Avenue. The criminal complaint carries case number 26CJCF02399. After the preliminary hearing concluded, the case was bound over for trial. No trial date has been set. Defense counsel has maintained Burke’s innocence and challenged the one-sided nature of early prosecution filings.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office continues to investigate alongside the LAPD. Officials have emphasized that the special circumstance allegations elevate the potential penalties if a conviction is obtained. Further hearings will address remaining evidentiary issues, including the unrecovered fingers and other items prosecutors have identified as significant.
