CA, US & World
Remembering Celeste Rivas Hernandez: The 14-Year-Old Lake Elsinore Singer at the Center of d4vd Murder Case
LAKE ELSINORE, CA — The tight-knit community of Lake Elsinore remains in a state of deep mourning following the horrific death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. A regular at her local corner store known for her "big, beautiful curls," Celeste was a seventh-grader who loved Hello Kitty, singing, and dancing. Her life, which her family describes as full of intelligence and hard work, was cut short in a case that has sent shockwaves through Southern California and the music industry.
The tragedy began to unfold in early 2024 when Celeste was first reported missing. She was later discovered in September 2025, dismembered and decomposed within the trunk of a Tesla registered to 21-year-old alt-pop sensation d4vd, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke. The car had sat seemingly abandoned in an upscale Hollywood Hills neighborhood for months before it was towed. Celeste’s body was recovered just one day after what would have been her 15th birthday.
Earlier this week, Burke pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder with "special circumstances," including lying in wait and killing a witness, which makes him eligible for the death penalty. Prosecutors allege that Burke began a sexual relationship with Celeste when she was just 13 years old and engaged in "continuous sexual abuse" for a year. The District Attorney’s office argues that Burke murdered and dismembered the teen after she threatened to expose the relationship, fearing it would ruin his lucrative music career.
A gruesome autopsy report unsealed this Wednesday revealed that Celeste died of "multiple penetrating injuries" to her torso caused by a sharp instrument. The report detailed that her head, arms, and legs had been severed from her body. In a chilling connection to the suspect, examiners found a tattoo reading “Shhh….” on the inside of Celeste’s index finger—an identical mark to the one d4vd famously has on his own hand.
The legal battle intensified yesterday as prosecutors revealed that a "significant amount" of child pornography was discovered on a phone belonging to Burke. His powerhouse defense team, led by attorney Blair Berk, continues to maintain his innocence, stating that the actual evidence will prove he was not the cause of Celeste's death. A judge has set a preliminary evidentiary hearing for May 1, where the prosecution will begin presenting what they describe as "40 terabytes" of digital forensics and physical evidence.
Back in Lake Elsinore, a sprawling makeshift memorial filled with stuffed animals, Takis snacks, and "Justice for Celeste" signs serves as a focal point for a community that refuses to let her be remembered as a runaway. Her parents, Jesus Rivas and Mercedes Martinez, issued a heart-wrenching statement through their attorney, calling for privacy while they seek justice for their "beautiful, strong girl." As the investigation continues, the residents of the valley remain committed to honoring the legacy of the girl who simply wanted to figure out life.
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By: NBC Palm Springs
April 24, 2026
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