Wed Feb 25 19:20:00 UTC 2026: ### D4vd’s Father Subpoenaed in Dismemberment Case: Prosecutors Seek Testimony in Teen’s Death

LOS ANGELES – New court documents obtained by KPRC 2 reveal that prosecutors in Los Angeles County are seeking to compel testimony from Dawud Burke, the father of singer David Burke, known as D4vd, in connection to the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The grand jury investigation centers on allegations that D4vd “may be involved” in Hernandez’s death. Hernandez’s dismembered body was discovered on September 8, 2025, in a black Tesla Model X registered to D4vd.

Prosecutors believe Dawud Burke’s testimony is “material and necessary” to the investigation due to his close relationship with his son. While attendance was requested beginning February 11, 2026, for no more than three days, Burke’s legal team initially filed for a writ of habeas corpus, arguing he was denied due process because he did not receive full, unredacted copies of the California certification documents supporting the subpoena request. A Texas judge initially granted the writ but ultimately denied Burke’s habeas corpus request on February 6, 2026, leading to an appeal.

Key Points:

  • Prosecutors are seeking to compel Dawud Burke, D4vd’s father, to testify before a grand jury in Los Angeles.
  • The grand jury investigation targets D4vd in connection to the death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose dismembered body was found in his car.
  • The victim’s “severely decomposed, dismembered body” was discovered on September 8, 2025, inside the front trunk of a black Tesla Model X.
  • Dawud Burke’s legal team initially challenged the subpoena, claiming a denial of due process, but the challenge was ultimately denied.
  • Burke’s attorneys filed for appeal.

Key Takeaways:

  • The investigation into Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s death is intensifying, with prosecutors focusing on D4vd and those close to him.
  • The legal battle surrounding Dawud Burke’s testimony suggests potential resistance to the investigation from the Burke family.
  • The discovery of the body in D4vd’s car and the description of the body as “severely decomposed, dismembered” point to a potentially gruesome crime.
  • The mention of D4vd “likely had help” dismembering the body suggests the investigation is considering the possibility of accomplices.

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