The final text exchanges between emerging musician D4vd and his 14-year-old girlfriend, Celeste Rivas Hernandez, have come to light, painting a tragic picture of their last interactions.
According to prosecutors, D4vd—whose real name is David Burke—stands accused of killing the teenager in a fit of jealousy fueled by her suspicions of another woman. Prosecutors claim she had threatened to expose their illicit relationship, as reported by The Associated Press.
These allegations emerged during a five-day preliminary hearing designed to determine probable cause against the artist known for his hit song, “Romantic Homicide.” The proceedings offered a grim glimpse into the final moments of the young girl’s life.
Facing severe charges, D4vd is accused of murder, prolonged sexual abuse of a minor, and the unlawful mutilation of human remains. These accusations follow the gruesome discovery of Rivas Hernandez’s dismembered body in the trunk of his Tesla in September. D4vd has denied any wrongdoing and entered a plea of not guilty.
Prosecutors Reveal Last Text Messages Between D4vd and Celeste Rivas Hernandez
A chilling detail emerged when prosecutors revealed that a day before her tragic death, Rivas Hernandez allegedly texted D4vd, threatening to expose their relationship to the world. Her message reportedly read, “i will end ur career and ur life,” highlighting the escalating tension between them.
The next night, on April 23, 2025, investigators said D4vd arranged for an Uber to pick her up and drive her to his Hollywood home around 10 p.m., per The Associated Press.
As she neared the property, she sent one final message, writing, “girly pop i’m almost there open ur door if ur home.”
To which D4vd allegedly replied “got uuu,” according to ABC News.
According to testimony provided by LAPD Det. Corey Farell, investigators believe RIvas Hernandez was killed sometime between 10:10 and 10:31 p.m. that night, CNN reported.
Though Rivas Hernandez never sent another text, D4vd texted her later in the night asking where she was. Prosecutors argued in court, per the news outlet, that it was part of an attempt to mislead investigators.
To support their theory, they pointed to evidence showing that D4vd had ordered three chainsaws—one of which was never recovered—and a wading pool they believe he used to dismember her remains in his garage.
A criminalist testified that a rubber mat on the floor of the garage tested positive for blood, which matched Rivas Hernandez’s DNA profile, per ABC News. The inflatable pool was also discovered damaged inside the garage with cuts from a blade.
Months later, in September, Rivas Hernandez’s dismembered remains were discovered inside the trunk of a Tesla registered to D4vd after it had been taken to a Hollywood tow yard, authorities previously told Oxygen. Employees noticed a foul odor coming from the vehicle and alerted authorities.
The medical examiner testified that Rivas Hernandez’s remains had been dismembered, “potentially” consistent with the use of a power tool, ABC News reported. Two of her fingers—including the finger baring a “David” tattoo—had also been removed.
According to prosecutors, the sexual relationship between D4vd and Rivas Hernandez began in 2023, when she was just 13 and he was 18. They presented intimate photos of the pair in court kissing and lying in bed, per The Associated Press.
In text messages exchanged between the two about a year before her death, the pair discussed Rivas Hernandez pregnancy and that she had an abortion.
Defense Argued There Was Insufficient Evidence to Send D4vd to Trial
In court, D4vd’s defense attorney Marilyn Bednarski argued that there was insufficient evidence to move forward with the trial, according to The Associated Press.
“There’s no evidence,” she said, “that Mr. Burke harbored a deliberate intent to kill Miss Hernandez.”
Bednarski added that there had been no history of violence between the couple and argued that her client had “the opposite of homicidal malice” toward Rivas Hernandez. She pointed to evidence suggesting that the teen had been the one threatening D4vd, according to the news outlet.
She declined to present an alternative theory for how the teen died during the hearing.
Judge Rules There’s Enough Evidence to Send D4vd to Trial
After days of graphic testimony, Los Angeles Judge Charlaine Olmedo ruled July 27 that there was enough evidence to send D4vd to trial.
After the ruling, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said prosecutors had presented only a “small fraction” of their evidence against the 21-year-old and were confident they’d be able to secure a conviction.
“You got a small preview of some of that evidence, including the text messages and the video and photographic evidence that was also presented directly to the judge,” Hochman said outside the courthouse, according to ABC News. “This was difficult evidence to even hear, but also the crime that we are dealing with is incredibly horrific and barbaric.”
His office has not announced whether they plan to seek the death penalty in the high-profile case.
Rivas Hernandez’s parents were present for the hearing, however, they left the courtroom for some of the more graphic testimony. Their attorney Patrick Steinfeld said the family was “relieved” the judge opted to send the case to trial, per ABC News.
D4vd is being held without bond as he awaits trial. An arraignment in the case has been set for Aug. 31.