In a courtroom update, charges against singer David Anthony Burke, also known by his stage name D4vd, became more dire as new evidence emerged. Photographs and text messages allegedly from Burke’s cellphone suggest he impregnated a teenage girl, Celeste Rivas Hernandez, and persuaded her to have an abortion at age 13. These revelations add a layer to accusations that he later murdered her.
During a preliminary hearing on murder and sex abuse charges, Los Angeles Police Detective Corey Farell detailed the supposed abusive relationship between Burke and Hernandez. According to court evidence, communications between Burke and Hernandez occurred from November 2023 to March 2025. Recorded messages revealed discussions about sexual interactions, concerns about a pregnancy, and the scheduling of an abortion in January 2024.
Nearly 50 photographs from Burke’s phone reportedly show Hernandez either naked or engaging in sexual acts with Burke. Farell also noted that the phone’s lock screen was an image of the pair topless. Other photos depicted Hernandez wearing a ring while holding hands with Burke, with a tattoo of his name visible on her finger. Prosecutors allege Burke dismembered Hernandez’s body to hide this tattoo after her death.
Text exchanges outlined a plan for Hernandez to move into Burke’s home in early 2024, with Hernandez naming the plan “Operation Awesome.” Meanwhile, her parents reported her missing that February. Communications suggested Burke urged Hernandez to proceed with the abortion, to which she consented. They also discussed significant dates like Valentine’s Day as pivotal moments in their relationship.
In a visibly emotional court session, prosecutors showed substantial visual evidence while pointing to Burke’s motive to conceal their relationship due to professional and reputational risks. Hernandez’s body was found dismembered within Burke’s car months after her reported disappearance, further complicating Burke’s defense.
Los Angeles County Deputy District Attorney Beth Silverman presented graphic pictures of Hernandez’s decomposed body discovered in September 2025 at a tow yard in Hollywood. Records show Burke and Hernandez initially met online when Hernandez was approximately 11. Their relationship became illicit in 2023, with alleged continuous abuse until her death.
Prosecutors claimed Burke murdered Hernandez after she threatened to expose their saga publicly, posing a threat to his rising music career. They allege post-murder actions aimed to hide the crime, involving the purchase of disposable tools and efforts to destroy her remains.
Samantha Tosch, a DNA expert from the LAPD, testified that DNA evidence collected from Burke’s Hollywood residence matched Hernandez’s profile. Despite finding traces of decomposition, no murder weapon has been recovered. Defense attorney Marilyn Bednarski raised questions about the autopsy’s reliability due to the body’s decayed condition.
The preliminary hearing expects to decide if the case advances to trial. If convicted, Burke could face life imprisonment without parole, with capital punishment as a possible prosecution route. As proceedings neared closure, uncertainty remained regarding the defense strategy and witness calls in the days to come.