‘A Soulless Demon’: D4vd’s Path From Pop Star to Accused Killer

David Anthony Burke, the musician widely recognized by his stage name D4vd, rapidly emerged as a significant voice in Gen Z’s music scene with his introspective and darkly themed bedroom pop. His debut album Withered, released in early 2025, was met with enthusiasm from fans who resonated with his brooding lyrics and melodic sensibility. However, Burke’s growing fame has been overshadowed by disturbing criminal allegations that have shocked both his followers and the music industry.

In April 2025, just days before a public event celebrating the release of Withered in New York City, Burke’s live performance revealed an unexpected emotional vulnerability. Observers noted his voice breaking and an apparent struggle to finish a somber song, moments later understood in a grim new context following charges brought against him.

Authorities allege that Burke was involved in the murder and subsequent dismemberment of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, a 14-year-old girl. Investigations uncovered a complex and troubling relationship that allegedly began online when Rivas Hernandez was around 11 years old, progressing to in-person encounters after Burke relocated to Los Angeles at the end of 2023. Prosecutors claim Burke sexually abused the girl over an extended period, including instances of coercion and control, with evidence suggesting he impregnated her when she was 13.

The severity of the accusations escalated with the claim that Burke murdered Rivas Hernandez in his Hollywood Hills residence in late April 2025 to conceal the abuse, dismembering her remains afterward. Law enforcement discovered her decomposed body months later in the trunk of Burke’s impounded Tesla. Court documents presented during preliminary hearings revealed graphic and disturbing details, including digital evidence of abuse and manipulative interactions.

Burke’s public persona as a rising pop artist contrasted sharply with the allegations. His music frequently explored themes of pain, death, and violence, exemplified by his stage alter ego named Itami, a term meaning "pain" in Japanese. The morbid edge to his art now garners scrutiny in light of the accusations, though legal experts caution against conflating violent artistic expression with criminal intent.

Friends, collaborators, and industry insiders reported being blindsided by the revelations. At the time of Rivas Hernandez’s disappearance and the subsequent investigation, Burke appeared professionally focused and committed to his career trajectory. Some acquaintances noted a marked personal transformation from a devout, sheltered upbringing in Texas to the demands and freedoms of life as a touring artist in Los Angeles.

The case has exposed unsettling dynamics regarding the exploitation of minors within the music and entertainment worlds. Rivas Hernandez’s family, based in Lake Elsinore, California, repeatedly reported her missing after she ran away to be with Burke, who allegedly maintained control over her communication and movements, including facilitating secret phones and international travel.

Legal proceedings are ongoing, with Burke charged formally with murder and related offenses. The allegations have cast a long shadow over his burgeoning career and raised broader questions about the pressures and vulnerabilities faced by young artists in the digital age.

This tragic episode underscores the complexity of separating an artist’s public image from their private actions, especially when serious criminal behavior is alleged. As the legal process unfolds, the music community continues to grapple with the implications of Burke’s case and the impact on the victims involved.