D4vd | Shocking Revelations Revealed in Court Documents

Crime Weekly51mMay 6, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

Crime Weekly dives deep into the shocking evolution of the D4VD (David Burke) case, revealing new court documents that paint a disturbing picture of premeditated murder and a pattern of predatory behavior. What initially appeared to be a tragic accident involving a minor's disappearance has transformed into a chilling case of first-degree murder, sexual abuse of a minor, and ritualistic dismemberment. The prosecution's nine-page brief details how David, then 20, lured 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez to his Hollywood Hills home on April 23, 2025, allegedly stabbing her to death after a relationship that began when she was just 11. Evidence includes surveillance footage, text messages, explicit photos, and forensic findings such as blood in a blue inflatable pool used for dismemberment. The case takes a darker turn with the revelation that David used Celeste’s voice in his album’s interlude and may have plagiarized violent themes from the manga MPD Psycho, including the symbolic removal of her ring and pinky fingers. The hosts analyze David’s psychological profile, suggesting he may be a psychopath who used the relationship to fuel his dark artistic vision, replicating the obsessive, destructive love he wrote about. Despite his attempts to cover up the crime—ordering chainsaws, body bags, and a burn cage—evidence remained in plain sight, including the pool still in his garage months later. The hosts conclude that David likely didn’t care about evading capture, possibly seeking infamy instead. They also highlight systemic failures, including parental complicity and the role of his entourage, and stress that the case is far from over, with a trial looming and broader implications for accountability beyond David himself.

Key Takeaways
1

Celeste Rivas Hernandez was murdered by David Burke on April 23, 2025, after a years-long sexual relationship that began when she was 11.

2

David used a blue inflatable pool in his garage to dismember Celeste’s body, with blood and tissue evidence confirming the act.

3

He ordered multiple tools (chainsaws, body bags, burn cage) under a fake name, indicating premeditation and planning.

4

Celeste’s voice was used in David’s music, particularly in the interlude of his album, raising serious ethical and legal concerns.

5

The removal of her ring and pinky fingers matches symbolic themes from the manga MPD Psycho, suggesting a ritualistic motive.

…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus

Chapters
0:00
2 min

Introduction and Listener Appreciation

Hosts Derek and Stephanie open the episode with gratitude to listeners for reaching 10,000 Apple Podcasts and 11,000 Spotify reviews. They acknowledge specific reviewers and emphasize how reviews help the show’s visibility.

2:00
5 min

Initial Case Assumptions and Shift in Narrative

This is not any way what I thought this was going to be. I've spent all week... looking into it... This is a whole different animal. If it's true.

Highlight
7:00
10 min

Timeline of Celeste’s Disappearance and Murder

He drove to Santa Barbara County immediately after Celeste died, attempting to dispose of her property and destroy evidence.

Highlight
17:00
13 min

The Use of Celeste’s Voice and Psychological Manipulation

I think it's her. And it would make sense because this conversation, when they initially had it, would have been when they were still on good terms and she's explaining to him the invisible string theory.

Highlight
30:00
15 min

Forensic Evidence and the Dismemberment Plan

The blue inflatable pool still just sitting in his garage. Months later when the police came and after they'd found her body in the Tesla, the blue inflatable pool still just sitting in his garage.

Highlight
High-Impact Quotes
He's about to find out. And then go and sit on a radio interview for a few hours and be so completely normal like that. That was intentional as well.
Derek LeVassar45:55
Viral: 92.0
This is not any way what I thought this was going to be. I've spent all week... looking into it... This is a whole different animal. If it's true.
Stephanie Harlow2:42
Viral: 90.0
He didn't get to experience these like your first heartbreak, your first relationship, your first obsessive love. And so it was almost like he was choosing relationships with somebody even though it's not a relationship.
Stephanie Harlow36:29
Viral: 88.0
Speakers

Hosts

Derek LeVassarStephanie Harlow
Topics Discussed
first-degree murder95%sexual abuse of a minor93%forensic evidence and crime scene90%psychological profiling of a suspect88%artistic inspiration and criminal behavior85%parental and systemic complicity80%digital surveillance and grooming75%media manipulation and infamy70%
People & Brands

d4vd

person

120xNegative

celeste rivas hernandez

person

95xNegative

derek levassar

person

85xNeutral

stephanie harlow

person

80xNeutral

lapd

organization

35xPositive

riverside county sheriff's department

organization

15xPositive

romantic homicide

media

12xNegative

mpd psycho

book

10xNeutral

withered

media

8xNegative

dawad burke

person

6xNegative

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