D4vd in court: Rivas Hernandez was pregnant and had abortion at 13, testimony reveals
D4vd preliminary hearing: Gruesome autopsy images shown in court
Singer D4vd had a series of sexually explicit photos on his cell phone of a 14-year-old girl whose dismembered remains were found last year in the trunk of his Tesla at a Hollywood tow yard, with some images depicting him and the teen engaged in sexual activity, one of the lead investigators on the case testified Friday.
Warning: The videos and information in this story contain graphic details. Discretion is advised.
LOS ANGELES – Friday marked the fourth day of a high-stakes preliminary hearing in D4vd’s murder case, with prosecutors and the defense continuing to present evidence as a judge determines whether David Anthony Burke, known professionally as D4vd, will stand trial for the murder of Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
The judge did not issue a decision Friday, meaning the preliminary hearing will continue Monday with what is expected to be the final day of testimony.
What we know:
Burke was arrested and charged in the murder of 14-year-old Hernandez, who had been reported missing out of Riverside County multiple times beginning in 2024.
Day 4 of the preliminary hearing: Rivas Hernandez was pregnant, had abortion
Text messages presented in court allegedly show that Rivas Hernandez became pregnant at age 13 and underwent an abortion more than a year before her death.
In a January 2024 exchange, Burke apologized for "putting her through this." Rivas Hernandez responded that neither of them was capable of raising a baby and that "it's for the best."
Burke later asked whether the pregnancy was his, to which she replied, "of course it's yours David."
Celeste Rivas Hernandez was pregnant, had abortion: testimony
Text messages between singer D4vd and Celeste Rivas Hernandez shown in court Friday indicate she had gotten pregnant at age 13 and had an abortion more than a year before she was killed.
Additional texts presented in court showed the relationship allegedly continued after the abortion, with Rivas Hernandez later expressing regret over "taking a innocent life of a literal baby."
In another exchange, she asked whether anyone knew they were having sex, and Burke allegedly replied that he wanted to keep it secret until they were married. Prosecutors said the messages also documented the couple traveling together after her 14th birthday and showed increasing tension in the months before her death, including references to their repeated breakups.
Prosecution Gives Evidence of Sexual Abuse
Prosecutors presented evidence they say documented Burke's sexual relationship with Rivas Hernandez, including photos of the pair kissing and lying in bed. The images also showed the teen with "David" tattooed in red ink on one of the fingers that was later severed before her body was discovered.
Los Angeles police detective Corey Farrell testified about more than three dozen sexually explicit photos allegedly recovered from Burke's iPhone showing him with Rivas Hernandez when she was 13 and 14 years old. The images were not displayed in court, but the detective's descriptions prompted Rivas Hernandez's parents to leave the courtroom in tears after prosecutors comforted the family. Prosecutors also presented text messages recovered from Burke's iCloud account that allegedly discussed contraception, pregnancy, and the January 2024 abortion.
Former Law Enforcement Unsettled By Grisly Photos
Rivas Hernandez's parents were absent as LA County Deputy Medical Examiner Dr. Grant Ho testified alongside trainee Dr. Ansel Nam. Among the evidence shown was a full-body photograph displaying Rivas Hernandez's torso alongside her severed limbs, arranged on an examination table.
Court sketch courtesy Mona Edwards
The horror of the display visibly unsettled even seasoned law enforcement veterans watching from the gallery.
"This must have been a long, tortuous ordeal for Celeste. This is not just a movie we are watching on the news or in the theater; this is a real-life experience that a beautiful young teenager went through," said private investigator and former LAPD Detective Moses Castillo, reacting to the graphic visuals. "She is silenced, but you know what? She is speaking to us through these injuries."
Medical Examiner Outlines Cause of Death and Dismemberment
Dr. Ho noted that severe decomposition was a major factor, pointing to the presence of insect larvae, liquefied tissue, and a powerful odor. He established that Rivas Hernandez had been dead for at least several weeks—a timeline consistent with the prosecution’s alleged date of death five months prior. Facial skeletonization was visible, particularly around the left eye, which was missing. Identifying features included a tattoo reading "Shhhh" on the inside of her right index finger, wire retainers behind her teeth, and multiple abrasions on the back of her right hand.
Dr. Ho determined that Rivas Hernandez did not survive to her fifteenth birthday due to at least two fatal internal trauma injuries to her torso, likely caused by stabbing prior to dismemberment – a sharp-point wound to the right abdomen penetrating approximately 1.5 inches deep into her liver; and a wound to the left lateral chest entering left to right, traveling at least 2 inches deep through soft tissue, chipping a left rib bone, and penetrating the chest cavity.
The resulting damage to her lung would have caused death within minutes, Dr. Ho said.
The remains also revealed extensive dismemberment of the arms, legs, and fingers. Clean, flat cuts suggested the use of a power tool, such as a power saw, used on one limb at a time. Embedded in the cut surfaces were tiny blue plastic fragments matching evidence gathered from a blue pool. Due to the body's condition, Dr. Ho noted it was impossible to state with certainty whether the dismemberment occurred before or after death.
While the remains were ultimately recovered from the front trunk of a Tesla registered to Burke, prosecutors noted that neither the murder weapon nor the saw allegedly used in the dismemberment has been recovered.
Defense Seizes on Inconclusive Drug Tests
Dr. Ho testified that toxicology testing on Rivas Hernandez's liver initially detected benzodiazepines and methamphetamine, but further analysis ruled out the benzodiazepines and found the methamphetamine results inconclusive. He said there was no evidence to support an overdose as the cause of death.
During cross-examination, the defense highlighted that advanced decomposition can affect toxicology results and noted investigators had not interviewed the victim's friends or family about her mental health, drug use, or personal history before the autopsy.
Expert details Rivas Hernandez's final moments
Celeste Rivas Hernandez's parents were absent as LA County Deputy Medical Examiner Dr. Grant Ho testified. Among the evidence presented was a disturbing full-body photograph of her torso alongside her severed limbs, arranged on an examination table.
Burke Breaks Passive Demeanor
Throughout the hearing, Burke—who has pleaded not guilty to murder with special circumstances—maintained an almost non-existent emotional reaction. But as the highly graphic presentation elicited gasps from the audience, Burke reacted briefly for the first time since the proceedings began.
When the full-body photograph was displayed, Burke briefly looked down and covered his face, seemingly caught off guard by the depiction, before resuming his passive stance.
Day 3 of the preliminary hearing: Defense questions collection of evidence
D4vd hearing: Clothing evidence, cellphone maps revealed
The singer -- whose real name is David Anthony Burke -- was charged April 20 with capital murder in the death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
Court observers were stunned by the evidence presented in court during the third day of the preliminary hearing.
"It’s horrifying and it’s just something you would never imagine," said court observer Scott Borden.
"The guy that I listened to, the guy that I admired, is not what I imagined. There was a darker side to him," observer Brandon Allen added.
Cell Tower and Tesla Data Maps Trips to Santa Barbara Site
LAPD Detective William Roecker of the Cellular Analysis Survey Team, who has been working with the FBI, presented location tracking data mapping Burke’s movements following the murder during his testimony.
Using historical call and cell tower records, Roecker analyzed two mobile devices associated with Burke, including an international line connected directly to his Tesla vehicle. Roecker testified that both devices moved simultaneously from Burke’s Hollywood Hills home to the Highway 154 location in Santa Barbara County where Celeste’s passport card was found on three separate occasions:
- April 23–24, 2025: Hours after investigators believe Celeste was killed, both devices traveled to Santa Barbara. At 12:04 a.m. on April 24, an outgoing call was placed from Burke's phone to Celeste’s number while in the area. The Tesla returned to Los Angeles by 7:07 a.m.
- May 8–9, 2025: Cell tower data again placed both devices near the highway site overnight.
- May 31, 2025: Both devices traveled back to the location, with records showing the Tesla stopped at a charging station near the passport discovery site before returning home.
D4vd preliminary hearing, Day 3: Testimonies continue
On Day 3 of the preliminary hearing, prosecutors introduced location tracking showing David Burke’s cell phone and Tesla traveled together from his Hollywood Hills home to Santa Barbara—where victim Celeste Rivas Hernandez's passport card was found—on at least three occasions.
Defense Questions Evidence Collection; Trace Analysis Matches Garage Pool
FOX 11’s Christina Gonzalez reported from inside the courtroom Thursday as defense attorney Blair Berk cross-examined an LAPD criminalist. The defense focused heavily on physical items left behind at Burke’s Hollywood Hills home, questioning why two chainsaws found in the garage and a third mini saw discovered inside the house were not collected into evidence after initial chemical swabs tested negative for blood.
A second criminalist testified regarding an inflatable pool displayed on an exhibit table in court, stating that cuts in the pool appeared to stem from a "sharp object" rather than normal wear and tear.
In a key piece of forensic testimony, the criminalist confirmed she physically matched plastic fragments recovered during Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s autopsy directly to the cuts in the blue pool found inside Burke’s garage, explaining that the physical fit was like puzzle pieces.
A medical examiner also took the stand and said Rivas Hernandez' remains were identified through dental records. She weighed 71 pounds and was listed as 5 feet and 2 inches tall at the time of the examination.
Day 2 of the preliminary hearing: D4vd's finances, crime scene evidence take center stage
Wednesday’s preliminary hearing got off to a heated start as defense objections during testimony from singer David Burke's financial manager prompted the judge to tell both sides to stop.
Burke’s finances, and an alleged financial motive for murder, remained a primary focus by the prosecution.
D4vd preliminary hearing: Singer's finances take the spotlight
On the second day of preliminary hearing for the murder case of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, prosecutors argued what may have been the singer's motive. The singer maintains his innocence and has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Interscope Records’ Senior VP of Finance, Louis Poimiroo, testified that D4vd’s deal was worth $13 million to $19 million, plus millions in endorsement advances from brands like Crocs, Hollister, and Bose. Defense attorneys argued Burke’s mother handled his day-to-day finances to show he was unaware of his net worth. However, prosecutors pushed back, arguing Burke personally signed major contracts and may have kept unrecorded accounts to buy plane tickets to London for himself and 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
The rising star's record deal was terminated after the discovery of Rivas Hernandez’s remains before Burke completed the final two albums required under his contract.
Passport Discovery & Forensic Evidence
Testimony turned to physical evidence as a CHP officer testified a Caltrans worker found Celeste’s passport card in tall grass along Highway 154 in Santa Barbara County. Defense attorneys noted the worker handled the card with bare hands and that it was never dusted for fingerprints.
LAPD criminalists then detailed graphic findings inside Burke’s impounded Tesla and a Hollywood Hills garage:
- Tesla Findings: Despite the victim's remains being removed from the Tesla’s front trunk ("frunk"), a criminalist noted a heavy stench of decomposition, maggots, dead flies and 11 air fresheners scattered near the driver's seat and frunk.
- Garage Evidence: A second criminalist detailed finding rubber floor mats marked with linear cuts from a sharp object. Initial chemical tests showed positive indicators for blood on the mats, the brick floor underneath, a rowing machine, tarps, a Tesla charger cable, and trash bags containing blood-stained wipes and fabric.
- Cleaned Inflatable Pool: Investigators recovered a blue inflatable pool that smelled freshly cleaned with a folded dryer sheet inside, which also tested positive for blood under chemical testing. Two seized chainsaws tested negative for blood.
"You would not know that this guy is up for murder," a court observer told FOX 11. "Everyone else in the courtroom is far more uncomfortable than he even is."
RELATED: D4vd in court: Alleged $13M financial motive and gruesome Tesla evidence take center stage
Day 1 of the preliminary hearing: Graphic details and images revealed
The first day of testimony included emotional moments inside the courtroom as Celeste’s parents, Jesus Rivas and Mercedes Martinez, sat through graphic evidence detailing the discovery of their daughter's remains. While the couple was given the option to step out, they opted to stay.
Body camera footage played during Tuesday’s hearing also captured a February 2024 encounter when sheriff’s deputies visited Burke at a Hollywood Hills home regarding a missing person report. In the video, a nonchalant Burke claimed he had only met Rivas Hernandez once in person after connecting online via Discord. Deputies informed Burke that day that she was only 13 years old, while Burke claimed she had told him she was 18.
Also on Tuesday, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said he expects the preliminary hearing to last between three and five days.
D4vd case: DA provides remarks as testimony continues
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman provided quick remarks as testimony started in the D4vd trial.
"We are not obligated nor will we be presenting all the evidence at a preliminary hearing that we will be presenting at a trial to prove David, beyond a reasonable doubt, guilty of the three felony charges of which he has been charged," Hochman said.
Hochman added that he expects more than 10 witnesses to testify, including investigators, medical examiners, and individual witnesses.
"We believe we will more than accomplish the evidentiary burden of probable cause at this point to hold David to answer on these three felony charges," he said.
If convicted on all counts, Burke faces the death penalty or life in prison without the possibility of parole.
RELATED: D4vd hearing Day 1: Testimony and graphic evidence presented in court
The backstory:
On Sept. 8, 2025, the remains of Rivas Hernandez were discovered inside a Tesla registered to the singer at a Hollywood tow yard. Investigators said the vehicle had been impounded after it was illegally parked in the Hollywood Hills, where Burke was renting a home.
Prosecutors previously stated in court that the teenager's body was so severely decomposed that the medical examiner had to rely on dental records for identification. According to an autopsy report from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office, Rivas Hernandez's cause of death was ruled a homicide caused by "multiple penetrating injuries with unspecified objects."
Investigators determined she was killed on April 23, 2025. Nearly a year later, Burke was arrested and subsequently charged with first-degree murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains. The criminal complaint also includes special circumstance allegations of murder of a witness, murder for financial gain, and lying in wait.
Timeline:
Key dates in the investigation include:
- Feb. 17, 2024: Deputies conduct a welfare check at Burke's home; he is informed Rivas Hernandez is 13 years old.
- April 22–23, 2025: Rivas Hernandez allegedly threatened to expose their relationship during an argument; investigators believe she was murdered on April 23.
- April 25, 2025: Burke’s debut album, Withered, is released.
- May–July 2025: Prosecutors allege Burke used aliases to buy chainsaws, a body bag, a pool, and a burn box.
- Sept. 8, 2025: The 14-year-old's remains are found inside an impounded Tesla registered to Burke in a Hollywood tow yard.
- April 17, 2026: Burke is arrested and charged with first-degree murder. He pleaded not guilty to all charges.
What's next:
Monday, July 27 is expected to be the final day of the preliminary hearing.
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The Source: This report is based on statements provided by Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman, court testimony, official case filings in the State of California v. David Anthony Burke, and previous FOX 11 reports.