HOLLYWOOD HILLS—Messages were shown in court between 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez and D4vd discussing that Hernandez, was pregnant and had an abortion in January 2024. New evidence in the killing of Rivas Hernandez was revealed in the preliminary hearing on Friday, July 24. Prosecutors showed messages between the singer and Hernandez.
David Burke apologized for “putting her through this” he said. “It’s okay. neither of us are capable of watching and takin care of the baby. it’s for the best no?” Celeste responded in the text. “Of course it’s yours,” she said after he asked if the baby was his or not.
The messages from D4vd’s iPhone were seized and shown in court. Investigators also found sexual and graphic photos from his iPhone.
Prosecutors are providing evidence and trying to prove to the judge that this situation needs to be trialed. The prosecutors are confident that D4vd was sexually abusing Celeste Rivas Hernandez when she was 13 and he was 18.
Allegedly, he dismembered her body in his garage. The samples were matched to the DNA of Rivas Hernandez through the blood stains. She threatened him to come out to the public about everything he did to her knowing it would end his career, and it is believed he stabbed her to death as a result. Burke has pleaded not guilty to murder and sexual abuse of a child and a mutilation of a body.
Hernandez’s body was found mutilated in the front trunk of a Tesla in September 2025. Charges were filed against the singer on April 20, 2026. The preliminary hearing that started on July 21, will determine whether there’s enough evidence for Burke to head to trial.
By Adrian Betton