Singer D4vd Transferred to Twin Towers Correctional Facility Ahead of Murder Trial
Singer D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, has been moved to the Twin Towers Correctional Facility in Los Angeles as he awaits trial for the murder and dismemberment of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. This development comes after his arrest last Thursday, months after the teenager's remains were discovered in a Tesla registered to his Texas address.
High-Profile Inmates and Legal Proceedings
Among the other inmates at the Twin Towers facility is Nick Reiner, who is accused of murdering his parents Michele and Rob Reiner in December. Past inmates have included notorious figures such as Harvey Weinstein, Robert Durst, and Danny Masterson, highlighting the facility's history of housing high-profile cases.
Burke's transfer occurred on Wednesday at 5pm, following his initial placement in the Los Angeles County Men's Central Jail, where he was kept separated from the general population due to the case's high-profile nature. His hearing is scheduled for Thursday, marking one year since authorities allege Rivas Hernandez was killed.
Charges and Autopsy Findings
On Monday, Burke's legal counsel entered not guilty pleas to charges of first-degree murder, lewd and lascivious acts with a person under 14, and mutilating a body. The Los Angeles coroner's office has released findings that Rivas Hernandez was stabbed to death and then dismembered.
The autopsy report, obtained by the Daily Mail, reveals that Rivas Hernandez sustained knife wounds to her liver and chest. Additionally, her ring and pinky finger were mutilated. Her remains were found in the trunk of a Tesla on September 8, with her head partially skeletonized and missing an eye. Coroners detected Benzodiazepines and Methamphetamine in her liver.
Background of the Case
Rivas Hernandez was reported missing by her family in 2024 when she was 13 years old. Prosecutors allege that she fell victim to continuous sexual abuse by Burke for at least a year from September 2023 to September 2024. Authorities claim that Burke killed her to protect his rising music career after she threatened to report their sexual relationship.
The teenager's mother reported her missing three times in the same year, stating that her daughter was dating a man named David whom she had never met. Rumors suggested the pair shared matching 'Sshhh' tattoos on their right index fingers, which the autopsy report confirmed for Rivas Hernandez, and photographs show Burke with the same marking.
Discovery of the Body and Investigation
Rivas Hernandez's remains were discovered after a Tesla Model Y, registered to Burke's Texas address, was impounded in Los Angeles for being parked on a public street for over 72 hours. Employees at a Hollywood tow yard called police upon noticing a foul odor from the vehicle.
Investigators found a cadaver bag in the trunk, covered with insects and emitting a strong decay smell. Upon partially unzipping it, they observed a decomposed head and torso. Further examination revealed that the arms and legs had been severed from the body, with dismembered parts found in a second black bag underneath.
Legal Defense and Upcoming Hearings
Lead defense attorney Blair Berk stated in court on Monday, 'We believe the actual evidence will show David Burke did not murder Celeste Rivas Hernandez. We would like to have the evidence come into the light of day.' Berk requested a public preliminary hearing as soon as possible to allow a judge to determine if there is sufficient evidence for trial.
Burke has insisted on adhering to California law, which entitles him to an evidentiary hearing within ten court days of his arraignment, a right that most defendants waive. He is scheduled to appear in court again on Thursday.
Impact on Burke's Career
D4vd, pronounced David, gained popularity among Gen Z fans through his blend of indie rock, R&B, and lo-fi pop, going viral on TikTok in 2022 and securing a record deal. His success led to collaborations with artists like SZA and Kali Uchis. At the time of the teenager's body discovery, Burke was on tour supporting his first full-length album, which was subsequently canceled.
The murder charges include special circumstances such as lying in wait, committing a crime for financial gain, and murdering a witness in an investigation, which could carry the death penalty. Prosecutors have not yet announced whether they will seek it.
