David [D4VD] Anthony Burke Case Updates
The homicide of Celeste Rivas-Hernandez has drawn intense public attention as investigators work to piece together the circumstances surrounding her death. Her remains were discovered inside a vehicle linked to entertainer David Burke (D4VD), placing the case at the center of an active and evolving investigation. Authorities have pursued evidence through search warrants, witness testimony, and grand jury proceedings, while key individuals connected to the case continue to emerge, with Burke as a primary suspect. As developments unfold, this page provides timely updates on arrests, filings, and investigative milestones in a case that remains both complex and closely watched.
This page tracks all major updates as they happen. For full background, see the Trial Hub, and read our Case Articles.
May 12, 2026 - Status Hearing - Prelim Continued to June 29th
A brief status hearing was held today:
🔹The preliminary hearing has reportedly been continued to June 29, 2026.
🔹The court also scheduled another status hearing for June 17, 2026.
🔹Defense attorneys argued in court that they are still waiting on portions of the prosecution’s DNA-related discovery and suggested the delays are impacting their ability to proceed.
🔹Prosecutors reportedly pushed back on the characterization of the delay, expressing frustration of their own regarding the pace of the proceedings and ongoing discovery disputes.
🔹The hearing itself was described as very short and procedural in nature, with no testimony presented and no substantive evidence argued in open court.
🔹Prosecutor Beth Silverman states that 10 Terabytes have been turned over to defense. The case continues to center around an enormous volume of digital and forensic evidence. Prosecutors previously stated they had collected approximately “40 terabytes” of material connected to the investigation, and today stated that it could take months to turn over that amount of discovery to defense.
The preliminary hearing, once it finally proceeds, is expected to be a major evidentiary event where prosecutors will attempt to establish probable cause and outline key portions of their forensic case against Burke. Discovery disputes are common in large homicide prosecutions involving extensive digital evidence, forensic testing, and DNA analysis. Delays at this stage do not necessarily indicate weakness by either side, but they can shape defense strategy and timing.
Burke remains in custody without bail and has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Today’s hearing appeared to underscore growing tension between the prosecution and defense over discovery timing — particularly forensic and DNA evidence that may become central to the preliminary hearing later this summer.”
April 29, 2026 - Status Hearing - Prelim Continued Again
A newly filed prosecution brief ahead of the preliminary hearing has now been released publicly after defense attorneys unsuccessfully attempted to have it sealed, arguing it was “one-sided” and could prejudice a future jury pool.
While the filing spans multiple pages and outlines the State’s theory of the case, it is already drawing significant attention due to the scope and nature of the allegations presented. The court ultimately denied the request to seal the document, allowing it to enter the public domain.
With the prosecution’s narrative now laid out in detail, attention is expected to shift to how the defense will respond—both in court filings and at the upcoming preliminary hearing, which has been continued to May 26. A status conference remains set for May 12.
Further analysis of the brief and its potential implications will follow.
April 23, 2026 - Preliminary Hearing Continued
The preliminary hearing has been continued to May 1, 2026. This gives both sides additional time to review discovery and prepare arguments on whether sufficient evidence exists to proceed to trial.
Status Hearing Scheduled
A status hearing is set for April 29, 2026. These hearings typically address discovery progress, scheduling, and any outstanding procedural issues—especially relevant here given the defense’s earlier complaints about limited discovery.
Digital Evidence: CSAM Allegations
The prosecution stated in court that a device linked to Burke allegedly contained a “plethora” of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
This is a major escalation in the case, suggesting:
Potential additional charges beyond homicide-related offenses
Strong digital forensic evidence tying Burke to exploitative material
Possible timeline corroboration if files are dated, downloaded, or produced during relevant periods
Wiretap Evidence Revealed ⚠️
Prosecutors disclosed in court that Burke was the subject of a wiretap, and that recorded communications are part of the evidence.
This is a major evidentiary development. Wiretap evidence can include:
Direct or indirect incriminating statements
Conversations that help establish timeline, intent, or knowledge
Corroboration of other evidence (digital, forensic, or witness testimony)
It also signals that Investigators had probable cause early enough to obtain judicial authorization and the case likely involved coordinated, multi-layered surveillance.
Autopsy Findings (Emerging Details)
While the full medical examiner’s report has not been widely released in PDF form, disclosures and charging language indicate:
Evidence of sharp-force injuries
Allegations of postmortem mutilation/dismemberment
Indications of sexual abuse, with investigators reportedly able to narrow timeframes for when certain acts occurred
These findings significantly strengthen the prosecution’s ability to establish cause of death, manner of death, and postmortem conduct, even with decomposition.
April 20, 2026 - Burke Arraigned
David Anthony Burke was arraigned today as attorney Blair Berk entered a plea of Not Guilty on his behalf.
Berk also stated the defendant’s wishes to move forward with the preliminary hearing as soon as possible, urging Prosecutor Beth Silverman to produce discovery on a timely basis. Silverman states there are 40 TB of discovery.
The judge ordered the Medical Examiner to release the autopsy report to the defense.
To be clear:
During the arraignment, the defense invoked California’s “10 of 10” rule, which requires a preliminary hearing to be held within 10 court days. April 23 was identified as “3 of 10,” meaning it falls on the third court day within that statutory window.
The defense’s push for a rapid preliminary hearing suggests a strategy to force early disclosure of evidence, while prosecutors indicated they are prepared to proceed, even on an accelerated timeline.
April 20, 2026 - Charges Filed Against David Anthony Burke
The Los Angeles County District Attorney has officially filed charges against David Anthony Burke in connection with the murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas, marking a major turning point in the case.
Burke is charged with first-degree murder with special circumstances, including allegations of lying in wait, committing the murder for financial gain, and killing a witness. These enhancements make the case eligible for a sentence of life without parole or the death penalty, though a final decision on capital punishment will be made at a later date. Additional charges include continuous sexual acts with a minor under 14, lewd and lascivious acts, and mutilation of human remains.
According to prosecutors, Celeste was last seen alive on April 23, 2025, after going to Burke’s Hollywood Hills residence. Her dismembered remains were discovered months later, on September 8, 2025, inside the trunk of a vehicle registered to Burke.
In a significant clarification, the District Attorney explicitly stated that there has been no conflict between the LAPD and the DA’s Office, confirming that both agencies worked “in lock step” throughout the investigation—from initial response to arrest and the filing of charges.
Law enforcement officials also addressed the extended timeline, emphasizing that the complexity of the case—including the condition of the remains, delayed cause-of-death determination, and the need to carefully build admissible evidence—required patience and precision.
With charges now filed, the case moves into the next phase of the criminal process, where prosecutors will be required to prove each allegation beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
April 16, 2026 - Arrest of David Burke
“The case will be presented to the District Attorney’s office on Monday for filing consideration.”Arrest Made in Celeste Rivas Hernandez Case
David Anthony Burke, 21, AKA D4VD, was arrested on April 16, 2026, by the Los Angeles Police Department’s Robbery-Homicide Division in connection with the murder of Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
Statement from LAPD PIO: “Detectives from Los Angeles Police Department, Robbery-Homicide Division have arrested David Burke, a 21-year-old resident of Los Angeles, for the murder of Celeste Rivas. Burke is being held without bail.”
“The case will be presented to the District Attorney’s office on Monday for filing consideration.”
According to booking records, Burke is being held without bail and remains in LAPD custody following his arrest at approximately 5:00 PM. Authorities have not yet released a booking photo.
In a statement posted to social media, LAPD confirmed the arrest and indicated that the case will be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office on Monday for filing consideration.
At that time, prosecutors will determine what formal charges, if any, will be filed. If charges are filed by complaint—as appears likely—the case would proceed to a preliminary hearing, where a judge will review the evidence to determine whether it meets the legal threshold to move forward.
This marks the first major public development in the case since Celeste Rivas Hernandez was found deceased inside a vehicle linked to Burke in September 2025.
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