In Los Angeles, singer David Anthony Burke, known as D4vd, faces charges related to the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Accusations include murder, ongoing sexual abuse of a minor, and unlawful mutilation of remains. Burke has pled not guilty.
Text messages displayed in court show discussions between the two about an abortion during their relationship. These texts surfaced during a preliminary hearing to ascertain if enough evidence exists for a trial. Celeste’s remains were found in the trunk of Burke’s Tesla in September, and he was arrested in April.
Photos and texts recovered from Burke’s phone depict explicit content and other personal details. LAPD Detective Corey Farrell testified regarding numerous explicit images of Burke and Celeste. Farrell also noted messages spanning from August 2022, when Celeste was 11, through April 23, 2025.
The messages revealed discussions on various topics including sexual encounters, contraceptives, and abortions. They indicate the sexual relationship lasted from November 2023 to March 2025, commencing when Celeste was 13 and Burke was 18 or 19.
One notable text exchange from November 2023 depicts Celeste discussing a missed period and considering abortion. Subsequent messages indicate ongoing concern about potential pregnancies and abortions, with Burke expressing regret and the pair acknowledging they were not prepared for a child.
Prosecutors presented images of the couple with a Plan B package in June 2024. They also showed a portrait of Celeste during a briefing by the Los Angeles County district attorney.
Additional exchanges between the two touched on marriage plans and concerns over secrecy surrounding their relationship. Later messages highlighted growing tension, with Celeste expressing dissatisfaction with the relationship’s focus on sex rather than a genuine partnership.
Dr. Grant Ho, a Los Angeles Medical Examiner, testified that Celeste’s death resulted from multiple penetrating injuries, consistent with homicide. He detailed decomposition and postmortem dismemberment, noting the limbs and fingers were severed, possibly with a power tool.
Ho also described two significant wounds, one to her abdomen and another on the chest, which could have been fatal and were likely sustained before death.
Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman accuses Burke of killing Celeste to protect his music career, which she allegedly endangered. Burke’s defense attorneys have pledged to challenge these claims.
The court hearing continues Monday, with Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo deciding if the evidence warrants proceeding to trial. There is no jury in this hearing.