D4vd texts detailed in court as murder case moves forward
Court hears D4vd's messages with teen before alleged killing
Prosecutors presented text messages exchanged between singer D4vd and 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez during a preliminary hearing, arguing they provide insight into the relationship before her death in April 2025.
D4vd, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, has pleaded not guilty to charges including murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14 and unlawful mutilation of human remains.
Prosecutors detail relationship in court
During the July 24 hearing in Los Angeles, prosecutors alleged the pair began a sexual relationship in November 2023, when Burke was 18 and Rivas Hernandez was 13.
According to messages presented in court, the teenager later became pregnant before having an abortion in early 2024.
The prosecution also introduced messages showing Rivas Hernandez later expressing regret over the abortion, while other exchanges documented repeated breakups and attempts to distance herself from Burke.
In March 2025, prosecutors said she told him she no longer wanted contact with him in person and preferred to remain friends only online.
Alleged motive presented by prosecutors
According to prosecutors, the pair argued again on April 22, 2025, after Rivas Hernandez allegedly threatened to reveal details about their relationship that could damage Burke's music career.
The prosecution alleges Burke arranged an Uber to bring the teenager to his Hollywood Hills home the following day, where he fatally stabbed her.
Prosecutors further allege he later dismembered her body and concealed the remains inside his Tesla until they were discovered months later after the vehicle was towed.
Defence disputes prosecution's account
Burke has denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty.
His attorney argued during the hearing that the condition of the remains makes it difficult to determine exactly when and how Rivas Hernandez died, and said the medical examiner could not rule out alternative scenarios regarding her injuries.
The case remains ongoing.
