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A former friend of singer David Anthony Burke, known professionally as D4vd, has spoken about noticeable changes in the artist’s behavior in the months before his recent arrest.
Burke is currently facing serious charges in connection with the murder of teenager Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Court documents allege that Burke killed Celeste and attempted to cover up the crime.
He has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including first-degree murder and sexual offenses involving a minor. Prosecutors have highlighted messages exchanged between Burke and Celeste discussing sexual activity and the possibility of pregnancy, with Burke being 18 and Celeste only 13 at the time.
The updated death certificate leaves unresolved questions regarding whether Celeste had been pregnant in the year prior to her death.
The former friend, speaking anonymously to The Mirror US, described a growing distance between them and Burke leading up to his arrest. “He started to pull away from everyone… you could tell he was going downhill before he got arrested,” the source said.
Initially, it appeared Burke was simply busy with his music career, but his withdrawal seemed more profound. “He wouldn’t answer anyone’s questions about Celeste, and he seemed stressed all the time.”
The friend also noted that Burke became increasingly guarded about his personal life, sometimes reacting defensively when asked about who he was speaking to on the phone. “Looking back, it just didn’t feel normal or right.”
Efforts to reach Burke’s representatives for comment have so far been unsuccessful.
In a poignant statement on Thursday, the attorney representing Celeste’s family described the difficult task of informing them of the horrific allegations detailed in court filings. According to the attorney, Burke allegedly stabbed Celeste, stood by as she bled to death, dismembered her with a chainsaw, and purchased a “burn cage” intending to destroy evidence.
“As a wrongful death attorney, my sole focus is on love. This was the most difficult thing I’ve had to do in 37 years as a lawyer,” the attorney said.
Initially, the family had agreed to speak publicly throughout the legal process with the support of the Los Angeles County District Attorney. However, due to the increasingly gruesome revelations, they have since decided to refrain from making any further statements, requesting privacy to grieve and heal.
The attorney asked the public to extend grace and compassion to the family during this painful time.
Prosecutors also allege that Burke was the last person known to have driven a vehicle where Celeste’s dismembered body was later found. Investigators claim he purchased tools under a false identity and traveled several times to a location in Santa Barbara County after the murder.
In response to the allegations, Burke’s defense team issued a statement saying, “The actual evidence in this case will show that David Burke did not murder Celeste Rivas Hernandez and he was not the cause of her death. We will vigorously defend David’s innocence.” Additionally, an attorney for Burke’s family expressed disappointment at the District Attorney’s decision but affirmed their full support for him.
The case remains under investigation as legal proceedings continue.