D4vd allegedly amputated teen’s finger tattooed with his name as part of ‘horrifying’ attempt to cover up crime: Prosecutors
D4vd Accused of Amputating Teen’s Finger with His Name Tattooed in Cover-Up Crime Attempt
D4vd allegedly amputated teen s finger – D4vd allegedly amputated a teen’s finger, tattooed with his name, as part of a shocking effort to erase his connection to a crime, prosecutors said. The 21-year-old singer, whose legal name is David Burke, is charged with the murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The case has gained national attention due to the defendant’s alleged method of removing physical evidence by cutting off her fingers and using the tattooed one as a deliberate cover-up. This macabre detail was revealed in a recent nine-page filing, adding a new layer of horror to the already disturbing account of the incident.
The Discovery and Crime Scene
Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s body was discovered in September 2025, decomposed and dismembered, inside the trunk of D4vd’s Tesla parked at a Hollywood impound lot. Police confirmed her remains were stored in a cadaver bag and a garbage bag, with her limbs placed in a blue inflatable pool to prevent blood stains. Prosecutors argue the arrangement was designed to hide her identity and delay detection, emphasizing the meticulous nature of the cover-up. The delay in discovery has raised questions about how long the remains were concealed.
“The defendant’s actions were meant to sever any link between the victim and his name, ensuring no physical proof of his involvement,” prosecutors stated in the filing.
The Relationship and Motive
D4vd and Celeste Rivas Hernandez began a relationship in 2023 when she was just 13 years old. Their bond allegedly grew tense as the girl threatened to expose their sexual affair, which prosecutors claim jeopardized his music career. Text messages retrieved from the case show Celeste expressing anger and resolve to end the relationship, leading to the premeditated attack. The finger amputated by D4vd, bearing his tattoo, is believed to be a direct result of this conflict, serving as a symbol of his control over the situation.
The defendant invited Celeste to his Hollywood Hills home on April 22, 2025, the day before her death. According to the filing, the meeting was part of a calculated plan to isolate her and commit the crime without witnesses. The timeline of events, including the purchase of tools for dismemberment, underscores the careful preparation involved in the alleged murder and finger amputation.
The Dismemberment Process
Prosecutors detailed how D4vd stabbed Celeste multiple times before severing her fingers. The victim’s left ring and pinky fingers were reportedly cut off, with the pinky finger bearing his name tattooed. This method of dismemberment, combined with the use of a chainsaw, was aimed at destroying evidence and making the crime appear as a result of a struggle. Forensic analysis later confirmed the blue plastic fragments in her remains matched the pool he purchased, linking him to the disposal method.
“The finger amputated by D4vd was a key piece of evidence, as it contained his name and was used to mask his identity in the crime,” the prosecutors wrote.
The Timeline and Purchases
The murder allegedly took place on April 23, 2025, just two days before D4vd’s debut album release. This timing suggests an attempt to divert attention from the crime during his career’s promotional phase. Following the attack, he ordered chainsaws, body bags, and other tools from Amazon, using a fake name to obscure his purchases. The suspect’s detailed preparation, including the acquisition of these items, highlights the intentional nature of the dismemberment and cover-up.
The Victim’s Background and Jealousy
Celeste Rivas Hernandez, a 14-year-old with a close relationship to D4vd, became increasingly jealous of his interactions with others. Prosecutors claim her jealousy intensified after she learned of their affair, leading her to threaten to expose the relationship and damage his reputation. The finger amputated by D4vd, which bore his tattoo, was allegedly part of his effort to silence her permanently. Her messages, sent on April 22, 2025, indicated her determination to end the affair, prompting the attack.
The Investigation and Defense
Authorities found Celeste’s identification in a Santa Barbara County location, where her belongings were allegedly disposed of. This discovery, made in January 2026, prompted further scrutiny of D4vd’s activities. The defendant has pleaded not guilty, with his defense team arguing the evidence is circumstantial. Despite this, prosecutors continue to present the finger amputated by D4vd as a central element in their case against him. The trial is expected to delve deeper into the motive and method behind the crime.