Text Messages and Evidence Presented During Preliminary Hearing in Los Angeles
A Los Angeles court has heard new details in the case involving American singer D4vd, as prosecutors presented text messages and evidence connected to allegations surrounding the death of teenager Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
During the fourth day of a preliminary hearing to determine whether there is enough evidence for the case to proceed, prosecutors reviewed messages exchanged between D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, and Hernandez before her death.
The messages discussed an alleged pregnancy and abortion following a sexual encounter between the singer and Hernandez, who prosecutors said was 13 years old at the time.
Prosecution Presents Digital Evidence
According to testimony presented in court, messages showed Burke asking Hernandez when she planned to have an abortion and questioning whether the pregnancy was his.
Prosecutors said Hernandez responded that the pregnancy was his responsibility.
The evidence was presented as part of the prosecution’s effort to establish the nature of the relationship between Burke and Hernandez before her death.
Burke has denied the charges against him, including murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under the age of 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains.
Singer Accused in High-Profile Case
Prosecutors allege that Burke killed Hernandez in April 2025 and later dismembered her body.
Charging documents claim the alleged killing happened after Hernandez threatened to reveal their long-term relationship, which prosecutors described as illegal and potentially damaging to Burke’s music career.
Burke became widely known in 2022 after his song “Romantic Homicide” gained popularity on TikTok and helped launch his rise in the music industry.
Authorities discovered Hernandez’s remains in September 2025 inside the trunk of a Tesla registered to Burke. The vehicle had been taken to an impound facility in Hollywood.
If convicted, Burke could face life imprisonment or the death penalty.
Police and Medical Testimony Continue
During Friday’s hearing, Los Angeles Police Department Detective Corey Farrell testified that investigators found multiple images on Burke’s phone that allegedly showed him involved in sexual activity with Hernandez.
Medical examiner Dr. Grant Ho also testified about the difficulties of determining the exact timeline of Hernandez’s death due to the condition of her remains.
Dr. Ho told the court that the severe decomposition made it extremely challenging to establish how long the teenager had been dead before her body was discovered.
Defense Challenges Prosecutor’s Evidence
Burke’s defense team questioned the medical findings and raised alternative possibilities regarding Hernandez’s injuries.
Defense attorney Marilyn Bednarski questioned whether it was possible that Hernandez could have caused some injuries herself or that they occurred during a struggle.
The medical examiner agreed that certain possibilities could not be completely ruled out but said he did not find signs typically associated with self-harm.
The preliminary hearing is expected to conclude on Monday, after which the court will decide whether the case will move forward toward trial.
The case has drawn significant public attention due to Burke’s rising music career and the serious allegations being examined by the court.
