Singer D4vd, legally known as David Anthony Burke, is in court facing serious charges related to the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. He faces accusations of murder, continuous sexual abuse of a minor under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains. D4vd has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Celeste’s remains were discovered in September in a Tesla linked to D4vd, leading to his arrest in April. During a preliminary hearing, evidence was presented to assess whether it suffices for a trial.
Evidence Presented in Court
Photos and text messages between D4vd and Celeste, retrieved from a phone found during a home search, were shown in court. The evidence included explicit images and images from within a Tesla, along with pictures of an engagement ring and tattoos related to their relationship.
Detective Corey Farrell testified about the large volume of explicit images involving the singer and Celeste. Text messages traced their communication from August 2022, when Celeste was only 11, until April 2025. These texts discussed sexual encounters, abortion, and contraception.
Testimonies Revealed Disturbing Details
The relationship between the two was highlighted, involving a sexual relationship from November 2023 to March 2025, when Celeste was 13 and D4vd was 18 or 19. A November 2023 message from Celeste mentioned a potential pregnancy, while texts in December referred to emergency contraception. Further exchanges in January and June 2024 discussed abortion decisions.
Prosecutors showed images of the pair with a package of emergency contraceptive pills in June 2024, alongside texts discussing ongoing abortion concerns. Other messages discussed future plans, marriage, and the deteriorating relationship.
Autopsy Findings
Dr. Grant Ho, who carried out the autopsy, testified about multiple penetrating injuries as the cause of death, concluding her death as a homicide. The advanced decomposition made it hard to pinpoint the exact time of death, suggesting she had been deceased for weeks.
The autopsy revealed postmortem dismemberment, consistent with power tool usage. These findings included extensive wounds on Celeste’s abdomen and chest, considered to have been sustained while alive.
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
District Attorney Nathan Hochman accused Burke of killing Celeste to protect his music career. The defense team committed to proving D4vd’s innocence.
The hearing will continue on Monday. Judge Charlaine Olmedo will decide if enough evidence exists to proceed to trial. There is no jury involved in these proceedings.