In Los Angeles, the case against singer D4vd, legally known as David Anthony Burke, continues. He faces charges for the murder and dismemberment of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. D4vd has entered a not guilty plea against charges of murder, continuous sexual abuse of a minor under 14, and improper mutilation of human remains. This week, the court holds a preliminary hearing to assess if the evidence warrants a trial.
Celeste’s remains were discovered in September in the trunk of a Tesla belonging to D4vd. Authorities arrested him in April. During the court session on Friday, the prosecution presented text messages and photographs from D4vd’s phone, obtained during a home search. These include explicit images, photos inside a Tesla, an engagement ring, and relationship-related tattoos.
Detective Corey Farrell from the LAPD testified about the abundance of explicit images found on D4vd’s phone, documenting interactions with Celeste from August 2022 through April 2025. Text conversations dating back to when Celeste was 11 discussed topics ranging from their encounters to matters of pregnancy and abortion.
The prosecution highlighted a November 2023 text where a 13-year-old Celeste expressed concern over a possible pregnancy. Discussions on using Plan B and obtaining an abortion appeared repeatedly in their exchanges. Various texts referenced gifts related to the abortion and questions about pregnancy risks.
Testimony from Dr. Grant Ho, the Los Angeles Medical Examiner, revealed Celeste suffered multiple fatal wounds, indicating homicide. Advanced decomposition prevented an exact time of death, but she likely died weeks prior to being found, possibly as early as April 25. The postmortem examination noted severed limbs and fingers consistent with the use of a power tool. Two critical injuries suggested she was critically wounded before death.
The court revealed previous filings, mentioning that D4vd arranged transportation for Celeste from Lake Elsinore to his Hollywood home on April 23, 2025; her phone was inactive upon arrival. Prosecutors argue D4vd killed Celeste to protect his music career from perceived threats posed by her. The defense affirms plans to robustly defend his innocence.
Judge Charlaine Olmedo of Los Angeles County Superior Court will decide on Monday if the prosecution’s evidence suffices to proceed to trial. Current proceedings are without a jury.