A prominent young musician has been charged with murder following the discovery of a 14-year-old girl’s dismembered remains in his vehicle, according to court documents filed Wednesday. The case has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry as prosecutors allege the killing was motivated by the victim’s threats to expose their relationship.
David Anthony Burke, 20, who performs professionally under a stage name, is accused of killing Celeste Rivas Hernandez at his Hollywood Hills residence in April 2025. According to prosecutors, the two first met in 2022 when Hernandez was 11 years old, and their relationship became sexual when she turned 13 and Burke was 18.
Court documents reveal that Hernandez’s family reported her missing in February 2024. When law enforcement contacted Burke after finding his number in her phone records, he claimed he was unaware of her age or whereabouts. She returned home two days later, but prosecutors allege Burke continued pursuing contact with the minor.
The prosecution’s filing indicates Burke went to extraordinary lengths to maintain communication with Hernandez after her parents confiscated her phone. He allegedly drove to her hometown of Lake Elsinore and paid a junior high school student $1,000 to deliver a cellphone to her.
Throughout 2024, prosecutors state that Hernandez spent considerable time with Burke, including weekends at his Hollywood Hills home and trips to Las Vegas, London, and Texas. Digital evidence reportedly includes text messages discussing their relationship and explicit photographs.
The relationship deteriorated by November 2024, though contact continued. Text messages from March 2025 show Hernandez expressing dissatisfaction with the nature of their relationship. Prosecutors allege she became increasingly upset and threatened to expose information that could damage Burke’s rapidly ascending music career.
Burke had gained initial recognition through video game content and music production, achieving two multiplatinum singles in 2022. His debut album was scheduled for release on April 25, 2025, coinciding with when prosecutors say Hernandez made her threats.
On April 23, 2025, Burke arranged transportation for Hernandez from Lake Elsinore to his residence. Prosecutors allege he killed her shortly after her arrival that evening, stabbing her multiple times.
Court documents detail a series of purchases Burke made in the following weeks and months, including a shovel, chainsaws, heavy-duty bags, a body bag, and an inflatable pool. Prosecutors allege Burke dismembered the body in his garage, removing specific fingers that bore identifying tattoos.
The remains were left in Burke’s vehicle for an extended period. The car was eventually towed to an impound lot, where the owner detected a strong odor and contacted authorities. Police discovered the remains in the vehicle’s storage compartment.
Evidence cited by prosecutors includes surveillance footage, DNA matching blood stains found in Burke’s garage, digital communications, and plastic fragments found with the remains that allegedly match the inflatable pool.
During Wednesday’s hearing, defense attorney Blair Berk requested the prosecution’s filing be sealed, expressing concerns about potential jury pool contamination. Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo denied the request, stating the media attention was comparable to other high-profile cases and that publicity concerns could be addressed during jury selection.
Burke’s preliminary hearing, initially scheduled for Friday, has been postponed to May 26. He remains in custody as the case proceeds through the court system.
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