The investigation into the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez has taken a significant turn, with recently unsealed court documents identifying musician D4vd, born David Anthony Burke, as the “target” of a Los Angeles County grand jury investigation. The filings detail disturbing evidence surrounding the discovery of Rivas Hernandez’s remains and the efforts to compel testimony from Burke’s family.
The case, which has garnered attention online, centers around the discovery of Rivas Hernandez’s remains in a Tesla registered to Burke. According to court documents, investigators found the decomposed head and torso of the teenager in a black cadaver bag in the vehicle’s front trunk on September 8, 2025. Further examination revealed severed limbs in a second bag. The details, initially filed under seal in California, became public through a legal challenge in Texas brought by Burke’s family, who sought to avoid compelled testimony before the grand jury.
Details Emerging from Court Filings
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office has identified D4vd as the focus of the grand jury inquiry, with documents stating he “may be involved in having committed” one count of murder. Subpoenas were issued to Burke’s father, Dawud Burke, his mother, Colleen Burke, and his brother, Caleb Burke, seeking their testimony starting February 11. The family’s attempts to quash these subpoenas in Texas ultimately led to the unsealing of portions of the California case.
During a February 2 hearing in Waller County, Texas, Waller County Assistant DA Bennett Dodson argued for the enforcement of the subpoenas, stating, “I would say if a car with a dismembered, decomposing body is registered to your home address, that is something you should expect to be questioned by the authorities about. And that’s what What we have is, judge.” Dodson emphasized the necessity of the family’s testimony, asserting it would not cause undue hardship.
Legal Battles and Ongoing Investigation
The First District Court of Appeals in Texas initially denied the Burke family’s petitions to overturn the subpoenas. However, the legal battle continues. Attorney Kent A. Schaffer, representing the family, stated in an email, “While the Court of Appeals denied our writ, later that day, we filed a subsequent writ in a higher court, the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. They agreed with us and issued a stay of the lower court’s order, which commanded the Burkes’ appearance in California. That matter is still pending in the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals.”
The investigation began after Celeste Rivas Hernandez was reported missing by her family in February and April 2024. Authorities determined it took a full week to identify her remains due to the advanced state of decomposition, according to reporting from Rolling Stone. Los Angeles Police Detective Joshua Byers subsequently sought to seal the autopsy findings in November 2025, arguing that their release could jeopardize the homicide investigation, a request that was granted by a judge. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s office confirmed the sealing of the autopsy report.
D4vd’s Career Interrupted
D4vd, who rose to prominence on TikTok with hits like “Romantic Homicide” and “Here With Me” in 2022, saw his career trajectory abruptly halted by the investigation. His debut album, Withered, had its deluxe edition shelved, and the remaining dates of his U.S. Tour were cancelled. He has not been officially named a suspect, and no charges have been filed to date.
The case has drawn significant attention from internet sleuths, with online communities closely following the developments. The unsealed court documents provide a chilling glimpse into the investigation and the evidence being gathered by law enforcement.
As of February 27, 2026, the investigation remains ongoing. The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals is currently considering the Burke family’s appeal regarding the subpoenas, which will determine whether they will be compelled to testify in California. Further updates are expected as the grand jury proceedings continue.
This is a developing story. Readers seeking support during difficult times can find resources at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline or by calling 988.
