Los Angeles singer D4vd, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, is facing serious charges in the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, with text messages presented in court indicating a troubling relationship that included discussions about abortion. The preliminary hearing on July 24, 2026, revealed graphic evidence as prosecutors seek to establish enough grounds for a trial.
Why it matters: The case has drawn national attention due to the disturbing allegations against Burke, who is accused of murdering Rivas Hernandez after she threatened to expose their sexual relationship. The implications of this case extend beyond the courtroom, raising concerns about child safety and accountability.
- Burke has been charged with murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains, all of which he pleads not guilty to.
- Rivas Hernandez's dismembered body was discovered in September 2025, in the trunk of a Tesla registered to Burke, nearly five months after her death.
- The preliminary hearing determines if there is sufficient evidence for Burke to stand trial, with proceedings expected to resume on July 27, 2026.
Driving the news: Text messages exchanged between Burke and Rivas Hernandez were central to the prosecution's case. They reportedly discussed their sexual activities and Rivas Hernandez's pregnancies and abortions.
- Text exchanges traced back to August 2022, when Rivas Hernandez was just 11 years old, and continued until her death in April 2025.
- In one January 2024 message, Burke apologized for “putting her through this,” referring to her pregnancy, to which Rivas Hernandez responded, "neither of us are capable of watching and taking care of the baby."
- Prosecutors allege Burke began sexually abusing Rivas Hernandez when she was 13 and he was 18, culminating in her murder when she threatened to reveal their history.
State of play: The evidence presented in court has been graphic and distressing, with explicit photos of the two shown, detailing their intimate relationship.
- Photos recovered from Burke’s phone depicted sexual acts involving Rivas Hernandez, who was 13 and 14 at the time.
- One image showed Rivas Hernandez with a tattoo of "David" on her finger, which was later found severed from her body.
- Detective Corey Farrell testified about the explicit nature of the images, which led to emotional reactions from Rivas Hernandez's family in the courtroom.
The big picture: The relationship between Burke and Rivas Hernandez has raised questions about consent, power dynamics, and the responsibilities of adults in positions of influence.
- Burke, known for his music career, had gained fame online, with his songs often featuring dark themes, including his breakout hit "Romantic Homicide," which has over a billion plays.
- His rise in the music industry coincided with the timeline of his alleged abuse, creating a narrative where his career may have influenced his actions.
- The prosecution argues that Rivas Hernandez's threat to expose their relationship jeopardized Burke's lucrative career, motivating him to commit murder.
What they're saying: Reactions from the public and experts have varied, with many expressing outrage over the allegations and the broader implications for child protection.
- District Attorney Nathan Hochman stated that Burke’s actions were driven by fear of losing his career, saying, "He killed her to maintain his lucrative music career, which she threatened."
- Defense attorneys maintain Burke's innocence, asserting that he will be vigorously defended against these allegations.
- Legal experts have highlighted the importance of addressing child abuse and the responsibility of adults in similar situations.
By the numbers: The timeline of events leading to the discovery of Rivas Hernandez's body shows a troubling pattern of abuse.
- Burke and Rivas Hernandez's relationship reportedly began in November 2023, when she was just 13 years old.
- Rivas Hernandez's body was found in September 2025, the day after her 15th birthday, highlighting the tragic loss of potential.
- Burke's music career reportedly earned him at least $10 million from 2023 to 2025, correlating with the timeline of the alleged crimes.
What's next: The preliminary hearing is set to continue, with more testimony expected from law enforcement and forensic experts.
- Detective Corey Farrell will return to the stand to provide additional evidence related to the case.
- The judge will determine if the evidence presented warrants a full trial, which could begin later this year.
- As the case progresses, public interest remains high, with many calling for justice for Rivas Hernandez.