Court Proceedings Reveal Details in D4vd Murder Case
The trial of musician David Anthony Burke, known as D4vd, involves serious charges including murder and abuse. He is accused of killing Celeste Rivas Hernandez, a 14-year-old. Burke has pleaded not guilty to the charges. This week, a preliminary hearing is assessing if there is enough evidence to go to trial.
Authorities found the teenager’s remains in a Tesla belonging to Burke in September. He was arrested in April. On Friday, the court reviewed text messages and photos between Burke and Hernandez, discovered on his phone during a search. These included explicit sexual images and pictures inside the Tesla, along with images of an engagement ring and relationship tattoos.
LAPD Detective Corey Farrell testified about the messages, which began in August 2022. At that time, Celeste was 11 years old. The texts continued through April 2025 and involved discussions of sexual activities, abortion, and emergency contraception. Farrell noted these communications showed a sexual relationship between November 2023 and March 2025, when Celeste was 13, and Burke was 18 or 19.
Detailed exchanges between November 2023 and June 2024 illustrated the pair’s approach to sexual health and termination of pregnancies. Prosecutors shared photos of them with Plan B, an emergency contraceptive, in June 2024. The records also contained discussions about marriage and future plans.
Prosecutors introduced evidence from late 2024 and early 2025, revealing strain in their relationship. In March 2025, Celeste expressed dissatisfaction with the relationship, feeling it was only physical.
Dr. Grant Ho, Los Angeles Medical Examiner, confirmed the cause of Celeste’s death as homicide, with multiple penetrating injuries. He stated she died weeks before her remains were discovered, possibly since April 25.
According to earlier filings, Burke had arranged transportation for Celeste to his Hollywood home from Lake Elsinore, California. Upon her arrival, her phone battery died. Ho detailed postmortem conditions including dismemberment consistent with power tools.
The prosecution claims Burke killed Celeste to safeguard his music career. Defense attorneys assert Burke’s innocence and intend to contest the charges. Judge Charlaine Olmedo will decide if sufficient evidence exists to proceed with a trial. Proceedings continue Monday with no jury present.