Text messages revealed in court show that 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, who was allegedly murdered by singer D4vd, had been pregnant and undergone an abortion before her death. The messages, exchanged between Celeste and D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, were presented as evidence in a hearing to determine if Burke should stand trial for the teen’s murder.
The texts, which date back to August 2022, when Celeste was 11 and Burke was 17, also reveal a disturbing pattern of abuse and manipulation. In one exchange, Burke asked Celeste if the abortion was successful, and she responded that neither of them was capable of caring for a baby. Burke, who was 19 at the time, also asked if the child was his, and Celeste replied that it was.
Alleged Abuse and Murder
Prosecutors allege that Burke killed Celeste after she threatened to expose their relationship and the abuse she suffered at his hands. The two had met online when Celeste was 11, and Burke had begun sexually abusing her when she was 13. The alleged abuse continued for over a year, with Burke taking Celeste to meet his family in London and Texas.
The court also heard that Burke’s phone contained photos of Celeste during the alleged abuse, as well as conversations about moving in together, which they had dubbed “Operation Awesome”. The pair had broken up in November 2024 but remained in contact, with prosecutors alleging that they argued on the night before her death over Burke’s relationships with other women.
A police detective testified that DNA taken from blood found in Burke’s Hollywood Hills home and garage matched Celeste’s, and a medical examiner said that it was difficult to determine exactly when Celeste died due to the state of decomposition when her remains were found.
Implications and Next Steps
The case has sparked widespread outrage and concern about the exploitation and abuse of minors. Burke, who rose to fame on TikTok with 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 trial is expected to resume on Monday, with prosecutors seeking to prove that Burke’s actions were premeditated and calculating.
The case highlights the darker side of social media and the music industry, where young fans can be vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. As the trial continues, it will be important to consider the broader implications of this case and how to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
