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

Prosecutors allege D4vd purchased items including chainsaws, a body bag, and a shovel after the 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s death. A court filing details allegations that Burke, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, bought these items online following the girl’s fatal stabbing at his home on April 23, 2025. Her dismembered body was later found in his car. Prosecutors claim Burke met the girl when she was 11 and began sexually abusing her at 13, while he was 18. The teenager allegedly sent threatening messages before her death, claiming she would reveal their relationship and destroy his life. Burke has pleaded not guilty, with his attorneys stating they will defend his innocence. The filing also alleges Burke used a fake name to make online purchases, including a ‘burn cage’ and an inflatable pool, and planned to incinerate evidence. Prosecutors further claim Burke ordered a car to bring the girl to his home and sent location messages to cover up the murder. Surveillance footage shows Burke as the last person in the vehicle where the body was discovered in September 2025. During a court appearance, Burke agreed to delay his preliminary hearing until late May. His legal team sought to prevent the filing’s release due to media attention concerns, but Judge Charlaine Olmedo permitted its release while sealing some evidence. Another hearing is scheduled for next month.