Insights from Courtroom Evidence in the Case of Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s Death
In a Los Angeles courtroom, recent proceedings have unveiled text messages between singer D4vd and Celeste Rivas Hernandez, shedding light on significant events preceding her tragic death. The messages, presented on Friday, reveal that Rivas Hernandez had become pregnant and undergone an abortion over a year before her demise.
In a January 2024 exchange, D4vd, legally known as David Burke, expressed remorse, stating, “It’s okay,” as Rivas Hernandez replied, “neither of us are capable of watching and taking care of the baby. it’s for the best no?”
This testimony forms part of a preliminary hearing determining whether Burke will face trial for Rivas Hernandez’s murder. Prosecutors aim to demonstrate that Burke’s sexual involvement with Rivas Hernandez began when she was 13, culminating in her murder as she threatened to expose these actions.
Investigators allege Burke dismembered her body in his garage. A police analyst confirmed DNA evidence from blood stains matched Rivas Hernandez. Her body was discovered in a Tesla towed from the Hollywood Hills in September, months after authorities believe she was killed.
Burke has pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, child sexual abuse, and body mutilation. His legal team maintains his innocence.
On Friday, prosecutors detailed the relationship between Burke and Rivas Hernandez, presenting graphic images from Burke’s iPhone, which contained discussions on contraception and pregnancy, including the abortion in January 2024.
As these images were displayed, Rivas Hernandez’s mother wept, and her father looked down, leading to their exit from the courtroom with comfort from Deputy District Attorney Beth Silverman.
Autopsy Results and Their Challenges
Dr. Grant Ho from the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner testified regarding Rivas Hernandez’s autopsy, noting she died from two sharp force wounds. Her decomposing body was found in a Tesla trunk.
Ho faced challenges in determining the exact time of death due to body degradation. He estimated she had been deceased for at least weeks, potentially months, with authorities suggesting her death occurred in April 2025. She was found the day after her 15th birthday.
Ho identified potential stab wounds with internal trauma, indicating death could take “minutes, at least,” or possibly up to an hour. The prosecution claims Burke allowed her to bleed out.
Defense Highlights Ambiguities in Drug Testing
The defense seized on inconclusive toxicology results, noting decomposition could affect drug test accuracy. Tests on Rivas Hernandez’s liver showed low alcohol and initial positives for benzodiazepines and methamphetamine, but further testing was inconclusive.
Burke’s attorney, Marilyn Bednarski, questioned if decomposition could alter results, to which Ho agreed, acknowledging insufficient evidence for an overdose death.
Bednarski inquired about the importance of understanding the deceased’s mental health or drug habits, which Ho affirmed as “potentially” helpful, though such conversations didn’t occur in this case.
Ho could not definitively state if the wounds were self-inflicted, lacking surrounding “hesitation marks” common in self-harm cases.
Burke’s Rising Music Career
Financial testimony revealed Burke’s music generated over $10 million from 2023 to 2025. Performing as D4vd, he gained popularity with indie rock, R&B, and lo-fi pop tracks, notably his 2022 hit “Romantic Homicide,” which achieved over a billion plays on platforms like TikTok and Spotify.
In 2023, Burke released two EPs and joined SZA on tour. He also performed at Coachella last year and was promoting a new album when Rivas Hernandez’s body was found.
