Autopsy doctor to testify at hearing on whether D4vd faces trial in 14-year-old's killing

In Los Angeles, the preliminary hearing for singer David Burke, known professionally as D4vd, has brought to light disturbing evidence as prosecutors seek to advance the case to trial in the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Authorities allege a long-term abusive relationship culminating in Rivas Hernandez’s murder and dismemberment.

Testimony presented in court revealed that Rivas Hernandez became pregnant at just 13 years old and underwent an abortion over a year before her death. Text messages between Burke and the teenager, shown during the hearing, include discussions about contraception and the pregnancy, underscoring the troubling nature of their relationship. In early 2024, Burke apologized for the situation, while Rivas Hernandez responded that neither was prepared to care for a child.

Prosecutors argue that Burke began sexually abusing Rivas Hernandez when she was 13 and he was 18, a charge supported by explicit photos recovered from his personal devices. These images, some too graphic to be displayed in court, depicted the girl as young as 13 in sexually abusive contexts. The evidence also included photographs of the two together, showing a tattoo of Burke’s name on Rivas Hernandez’s finger—a finger later found severed when her body was discovered.

The victim’s remains were located inside the front trunk of a Tesla registered to Burke in September 2025, several months after she was reported missing. Forensic testimony detailed the challenges posed by the body's advanced decomposition; the medical examiner could not determine the exact time of death but confirmed it was at least weeks prior to discovery. The autopsy revealed two fatal stab wounds that penetrated internal organs and ribs.

Toxicology results were inconclusive regarding drug involvement, with initial positive results for benzodiazepines and methamphetamine later questioned due to tissue degradation. The examiner emphasized that no sufficient evidence supported overdose as a cause of death, a point highlighted by the defense during cross-examination.

Communication records also depicted a complex and increasingly fraught relationship, with messages exchanged up to the day Rivas Hernandez disappeared in April 2025. Shortly before her death, the pair had traveled together internationally and to meet Burke’s family, reflecting a facade of normalcy amidst the turmoil. Subsequent text exchanges reveal tensions, including references to multiple breakups and emotional strain.

Burke faces charges including murder, sexual abuse of a minor, and mutilation of a body. He has entered a plea of not guilty, with his legal team maintaining his innocence. The case has drawn significant public attention due to Burke’s rising fame in the music industry, where he gained prominence as a teenage artist blending indie rock, R&B, and lo-fi pop, amassing substantial streaming success and performing at major events like Coachella.

The hearing continues as investigators and legal teams delve into the details of the tragic events leading to Rivas Hernandez’s death. The court proceedings aim to establish whether sufficient evidence exists to proceed to a full trial. The community and fanbase watch closely as the case unfolds, reflecting both the gravity of the accusations and the impact of celebrity in legal scrutiny.