D4vd trial: Court shown texts discussing pregnancy and abortion as detective testifies about relationship with 13-year-old
A Los Angeles court heard text messages between singer D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, and 13-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez discussing a pregnancy, abortion, birth control and emergency contraception during the fourth day of his preliminary hearing.
Los Angeles Police Department robbery-homicide detective Corey Farell testified that investigators recovered multiple exchanges between Burke and Rivas from his phone. One message dated Jan. 8, 2024, showed Rivas writing, "Both of us aren't able to take care of it," to which Burke allegedly replied, "I know but still." According to Farell, investigators also found conversations about Plan B, birth control and ending their relationship.
Farell further testified that more than 40 images of child sexual abuse material involving Rivas were recovered from Burke's iPhone, along with several photographs allegedly showing the pair engaged in sexual activity. During the testimony, Rivas' mother, Mercedes Martinez, became visibly upset and left the courtroom after Deputy District Attorney Beth Silverman acknowledged the difficulty of the proceedings.
Prosecutors allege Burke and Rivas first began communicating in August 2022 when she was 11 years old, and that their sexual relationship began in November 2023 when she was 13 while Burke was 18. They further allege Burke killed Rivas on April 23, 2025, following an argument about his relationships with other women, days before the planned release of his debut album.
The court also heard messages allegedly exchanged in March 2025, in which Rivas told Burke she wanted their relationship to remain online and no longer wanted to see him in person. According to prosecutors, she wrote that their interactions consisted only of "have sex and hang out" and that she wanted more for herself. Burke allegedly responded before the conversation ended with Rivas reiterating her position.
Earlier testimony from Los Angeles County Deputy Medical Examiner Grant Ho stated that Rivas died from two penetrating injuries, one to the abdomen and another to the chest.
Due to advanced decomposition, the medical examiner said it was not possible to determine the type of weapon used, though the death was ruled a homicide. Ho also testified that the injuries would likely have resulted in death within minutes or up to about an hour.
According to investigators, Rivas' remains were found on Sept. 8, 2025, inside two bags in the front trunk of Burke's Tesla, three days after the vehicle had been impounded near his Hollywood Hills home. The preliminary hearing is continuing.
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