In a courtroom in Los Angeles, the complex relationship between singer D4vd and Celeste Rivas Hernandez came into sharp focus through a series of text messages. These exchanges, presented as evidence on Friday, revealed that the two had faced significant challenges, including a pregnancy and abortion more than a year before Rivas Hernandez’s untimely death.
In the texts dated early January 2024, D4vd, whose real name is David Burke, expressed remorse over the situation. Rivas Hernandez responded, “It’s okay, neither of us are capable of watching and taking care of the baby. it’s for the best no?” Burke asked if he was the father, to which Rivas Hernandez confirmed, “of course it’s yours.”
The legal proceedings are part of a preliminary hearing to determine if Burke will stand trial for the murder of Rivas Hernandez. Prosecutors claim Burke began a sexual relationship with her when she was 13 and he was 18, and allege he killed her to prevent her from exposing their history, which could damage his career.
The court heard allegations that Burke dismembered her body in his garage. A police analyst testified that DNA from blood samples found there matched Rivas Hernandez. Her remains were discovered in a Tesla that was towed from the Hollywood Hills in September, months after her death in April 2025.
Burke has denied charges of murder, child sexual abuse, and body mutilation, maintaining his innocence through his legal team.
Prosecutors presented graphic evidence from Burke’s phone, including explicit images of him and Rivas Hernandez. Conversations about contraception and her abortion were found in his iCloud account.
As these were shown in court, Rivas Hernandez’s parents visibly reacted, with her mother crying and her father avoiding eye contact. Deputy District Attorney Beth Silverman offered comfort to her mother, Mercedes Martinez, as the couple left the courtroom.
Autopsy Findings Presented in Court
Dr. Grant Ho, from the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner, testified regarding the autopsy of the 14-year-old. He reported that she died from two sharp force injuries, though the poor condition of her body complicated the examination.
Defense attorneys questioned the autopsy’s findings, suggesting other potential causes of death, such as overdose or self-inflicted injuries. Ho conceded the difficulty in determining the exact time of death, estimating it could have been weeks or months prior to the discovery of her body.
Further complicating matters, Ho discussed inconclusive toxicology tests, which initially indicated drugs like benzodiazepines and methamphetamine but were later deemed inconclusive. Defense attorney Marilyn Bednarski highlighted the decomposition’s impact on test accuracy.
Burke’s Rising Music Career
While facing these charges, Burke’s music career was flourishing. Under the stage name D4vd, he earned significant income, reportedly over $10 million between 2023 and 2025. His music, a blend of indie rock, R&B, and lo-fi pop, gained massive popularity on platforms like TikTok, Soundcloud, and Spotify.
His track “Romantic Homicide” achieved over a billion plays, and in 2023, he released two EPs, opened for SZA, and performed at the Coachella music festival. During this time, he was promoting a new album when Rivas Hernandez’s body was discovered.
