The criminal case involving streamer and singer D4vd has taken another significant turn after prosecutors presented new evidence during a preliminary hearing in Los Angeles. The court heard details of an alleged relationship between the musician and teenager Celeste Rivas Hernandez, with text messages, forensic findings and witness testimony forming a key part of the prosecution’s argument. The latest revelations have drawn widespread attention as the case moves closer to trial.
D4vd murder case : Court hears text messages and relationship details
D4vd, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, has pleaded not guilty to charges that include murder, child sexual abuse and mutilation of human remains. Prosecutors allege Burke killed 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez after fearing she could expose their alleged sexual relationship.During the preliminary hearing, prosecutors introduced text messages they say were exchanged between Burke and Celeste over several years. According to court proceedings, the conversations began when Celeste was just 11 years old and later developed into what prosecutors described as a secret relationship.Among the messages presented in court were discussions about a future together. Prosecutors said Burke allegedly spoke about marriage, living together and having children. One message presented during the hearing read, “i can’t wait to move in tg without the cops bitching baby.”Investigators also highlighted another exchange that they believe shows Burke wanted to keep the relationship hidden. When Celeste reportedly asked whether anyone knew they had sexual intercourse, Burke allegedly replied, “Nope and I would like to keep it that way before we get married.”Court records further suggested the relationship experienced emotional strain. Prosecutors said Celeste expressed frustration, telling Burke, “All we do is have sex and just hang out man i want more than that for myself.”The hearing also touched on Celeste’s reported pregnancy. Prosecutors stated that she became pregnant with Burke’s child in early 2024 before having an abortion. Months later, she allegedly told him, “I don’t like talking about it because it gets me really upset, but I’d do anything to have it back.”Burke’s reported response was presented in court as well. “Let’s end that there,” he allegedly wrote. “I don’t like talking to u when you’re upset,” later adding that while the abortion “saddened” him, he did not “dwell on it”.
D4vd trial : Defense challenges evidence as prosecutors outline motive
Prosecutors argued that the relationship deteriorated shortly before Celeste’s death. They claim the pair had a heated argument over Burke’s involvement with another woman and alleged that Celeste threatened to damage his music career.The prosecution also pointed to Burke’s recording contract, arguing that his growing career could have provided a motive to silence the teenager.Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said the evidence presented so far represents only part of the investigation.“What was presented by our office over the course of the last week is a small but illustrative fraction of the evidence investigators have accumulated that proves defendant Burke is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt of the brutal murder of Celeste Rivas Hernandez,” Hochman said. “This has been a parent’s worst nightmare, hearing the ghoulish details of how their child was killed, dismembered and left as trash.”Defense attorneys challenged several aspects of the prosecution’s case during the hearing. They questioned the medical examiner about whether the fatal injuries could conclusively rule out other possibilities and also raised concerns about DNA testing inside Burke’s former residence, arguing that multiple people had access to the property.Investigators, however, testified that forensic testing identified blood believed to have originated from Celeste inside the residence.Burke remains in custody without bail. He is scheduled to be arraigned on August 31, while a trial date has not yet been set. Prosecutors have also said they will consult with Celeste’s family and the defense before deciding whether to seek the death penalty.
