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Court proceedings in Los Angeles have revealed disturbing details about the relationship between singer D4vd and 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, the girl he is accused of murdering.
Text messages presented during the preliminary hearing showed that Hernandez had become pregnant at 13 and later had an abortion.
In one exchange from January 2024, Burke apologized for "putting her through this." Hernandez replied, "neither of us are capable of watching and taking care of the baby. it's for the best no?"
Burke then asked if the child was his, to which she responded, "of course it's yours David." Months later, she expressed regret, writing that she had "took a innocent life of a literal baby."
Prosecutors allege Burke began sexually abusing Hernandez when she was 13 and he was 18, and that he killed her after she threatened to expose their relationship.
They say he dismembered her body in his garage before hiding it in the front trunk of his Tesla, where police discovered her remains in September 2025 — the day after she would have turned 15.
Detective Corey Farrell testified that DNA from blood found in Burke's Hollywood Hills home matched Hernandez. Investigators also recovered explicit photos from Burke's iPhone, showing the teenager during the alleged abuse. The victim's parents left the courtroom in tears as the images were described.
The texts revealed the pair had discussed living together under what they called "Operation Awesome." They traveled together to London and Texas to meet Burke's family, but by late 2024 their relationship showed signs of strain.
In one message, Hernandez wrote, "I literally had sex with you for almost a year straight."
Dr. Grant Ho of the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner testified that Hernandez died from sharp force injuries, including wounds to her abdomen and chest.
However, decomposition made it "extremely difficult to tell" the exact time of death. Toxicology tests were inconclusive, with no evidence to support overdose as a cause.
Burke, who rose to fame with viral hits like Romantic Homicide and Here With Me, has pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child, and mutilation of remains. His worldwide tour was cancelled following the discovery of Hernandez's body, and he has largely withdrawn from public life.
The hearing, now in its fifth day, will determine whether Burke stands trial. Prosecutors argue he killed Hernandez to protect his career, while the defense has suggested the possibility of self-harm. Testimony is expected to continue next week.
