Los Angeles — Rising singer D4vd, whose real name is David Burke, continued to earn significant income from his Interscope Records deal in the months after he allegedly killed 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, according to testimony at his preliminary hearing.

Burke, 21, is charged with first-degree murder with special circumstances, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains. Prosecutors allege he sexually abused Celeste over a prolonged period and killed her in April 2025 after she threatened to expose the relationship, which they say would have destroyed his music career.

Financial Testimony

During the preliminary hearing, Lewis Poimiroo, senior vice president of finance for Interscope, detailed Burke’s earnings. Witnesses indicated that Burke’s music generated at least $10 million between 2023 and 2025. Prosecutors are using the financial evidence to support their claim that the killing was motivated by a desire to protect his lucrative career.

Celeste’s severely decomposed and dismembered remains were discovered in September 2025 inside the front trunk of a Tesla registered to Burke that had been towed from the Hollywood Hills. An autopsy determined she died from multiple penetrating wounds to the torso.

Burke has pleaded not guilty. His attorneys maintain that the evidence will show he did not cause Celeste’s death. The preliminary hearing is ongoing as a judge determines whether there is sufficient evidence for the case to proceed to trial.

The case has drawn widespread attention due to the severity of the allegations and Burke’s rising status in the music industry.

Sources:

• Los Angeles Times, New York Times