R&B singer D4vd has been accused of killing a teenage girl and attempting to conceal the crime, according to detailed court filings presented in Los Angeles.
Prosecutors allege that the 21-year-old artiste, born David Burke, murdered 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez after she threatened to expose what they describe as an unlawful sexual relationship that reportedly began when she was 13.
During a court session on Wednesday, Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney Beth Silverman outlined the prosecution’s case, presenting evidence that includes text messages, images, and other materials said to show the nature of their relationship.
According to the filing, the suspect allegedly attacked the teenager shortly after she arrived at his residence, fearing that her claims could damage his rising music career.
“Knowing he had to silence the victim before she ruined his music career as she had threatened… defendant stabbed the victim to death multiple times and stood by while she bled out,” the document stated.
Authorities further claim that, in the weeks following the killing, Burke obtained tools and materials which were later used to dismember the body in an attempt to hide evidence. The remains were allegedly placed in bags and left inside his vehicle for an extended period while he travelled for a music tour.
The victim’s body was eventually discovered after the car was towed to a storage facility, where officials noticed a strong odour coming from the vehicle. The discovery was made shortly before what would have been her 15th birthday.
Prosecutors also allege that steps were taken to obscure the victim’s identity, while additional evidence suggests the relationship between the two may have continued even after it was believed to have ended.
Burke has pleaded not guilty to charges including murder, continuous sexual abuse of a minor, and unlawful mutilation of human remains. If convicted, he could face life imprisonment or the death penalty.
He remains in custody, with the case scheduled to resume in court on May 12.
