Family Members of Singer D4vd Fight Subpoenas in Teen Death Probe

The father, mother, and brother of the musician are challenging grand jury subpoenas related to the investigation into the discovery of a 14-year-old girl's body in the trunk of D4vd's Tesla.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The family members of singer D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, are fighting grand jury subpoenas to testify in the investigation into the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose body was found in the trunk of D4vd's abandoned Tesla in Hollywood. The singer's father, mother, and brother, who live in Texas, are arguing that their due process rights are being violated by being compelled to testify in California.

Why it matters

This case has drawn significant media attention and raises questions about the circumstances surrounding the teenager's death, D4vd's potential involvement, and the legal rights of family members to avoid testifying in a criminal investigation.

The details

Celeste Rivas Hernandez's body was discovered in September 2025 in the trunk of D4vd's Tesla, which had been abandoned on a street in the Hollywood Hills for several weeks or months. Detectives have characterized the case as a murder investigation, but the Los Angeles Police Department has not publicly labeled Celeste's death a homicide. Prosecutors have been presenting evidence to a grand jury since November 2025, and have subpoenaed numerous witnesses, including D4vd's manager and a friend of the singer.

  • Celeste Rivas Hernandez's body was discovered on September 8, 2025.
  • Prosecutors began presenting evidence to a grand jury in November 2025.
  • The 1st District Court of Appeals in Texas denied the habeas corpus petitions filed by D4vd's family members on February 13, 2026.
  • The court will potentially take up the matter again for another hearing on February 24, 2026.

The players

D4vd

The stage name of singer David Anthony Burke, whose Tesla was found to contain the body of a 14-year-old girl.

Celeste Rivas Hernandez

A 14-year-old girl whose body was discovered in the trunk of D4vd's abandoned Tesla in Hollywood.

Dawud Burke

The father of singer D4vd, who is fighting a grand jury subpoena to testify in the investigation.

Colleen Burke

The mother of singer D4vd, who is fighting a grand jury subpoena to testify in the investigation.

Caleb Burke

The brother of singer D4vd, who is fighting a grand jury subpoena to testify in the investigation.

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What’s next

The 1st District Court of Appeals in Texas could take up the matter again for another hearing on February 24, 2026.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex legal issues that can arise when family members are compelled to testify in a high-profile criminal investigation, particularly when the investigation involves a celebrity figure like D4vd.