Singer David Anthony Burke, known as D4vd, has been charged with the murder and dismemberment of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, a 14-year-old. In court, text messages were presented indicating that Hernandez had an abortion during their relationship. Burke is facing charges of murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains. Burke has pleaded not guilty.
The court proceedings this week were to assess if there is enough evidence for a trial. Hernandez’s remains were discovered in September in the trunk of a Tesla owned by Burke. Authorities arrested Burke in April. During a search of his home, photos and messages between the two were retrieved, including explicit sexual images, pictures of a Tesla, an engagement ring, and tattoos that marked their relationship.
During the hearing, LAPD Detective Corey Farrell testified about the content found on Burke’s phone. It contained explicit images and messages between Burke and Hernandez dating back to August 2022. Their text exchanges discussed past and future meetings, sexual activities, and abortion. Notably, their relationship became intimate between November 2023 and March 2025, when Celeste was 13 and Burke was 18 or 19.
A poignant text from November 2023 showed the young Hernandez anxious about her period, indicating, “If I’m pregnant tho I’m not having it though.” Further exchanges discussed the use of emergency contraception and other intimate concerns. The messages also imply that Hernandez had undergone at least one abortion. In a June 2024 message, the pair was photographed holding a Plan B package.
Prosecutors presented evidence of a strained relationship, showing messages that included discussions of marriage and future plans alongside hints of tension and break-ups. By March 2025, communications suggested Hernandez no longer wanted an in-person relationship, feeling their interactions were overly sexualized.
Testimony from Medical Examiner
Dr. Grant Ho, the Los Angeles Medical Examiner, testified that Hernandez died from multiple penetrating injuries, and her death was ruled as a homicide. The advanced decomposition of her body made it difficult to pinpoint the exact time of death, though Ho suggested she had likely been deceased for weeks or potentially since April 25.
The autopsy revealed postmortem dismemberment consistent with a power tool, possibly a chainsaw. Two significant penetrating wounds were identified, one abdominal and the other to the chest, either of which could be fatal. These injuries were likely inflicted before her death.
Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman accused Burke of killing Hernandez to protect his music career. Burke’s attorneys have stated they will defend his innocence. The hearings are set to continue, with Judge Charlaine Olmedo deciding on the sufficiency of evidence to proceed to trial, as there is no jury present.