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Texts reveal 14-year-old allegedly murdered by singer D4vd had pregnancy and abortion

BBC World · 2026-07-25

AI SUMMARY

• What happened: Text messages revealed during a preliminary hearing indicate that 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, allegedly murdered by singer D4vd (David Anthony Burke), had been pregnant and had undergone an abortion prior to her death. • Why it matters: The messages highlight a troubling relationship between Burke and Celeste, raising serious questions about the circumstances surrounding her death and the nature of their interactions, which included allegations of sexual abuse. • What to watch next: The preliminary hearing will continue, with prosecutors expected to present more evidence and witness testimonies, determining whether Burke will stand trial for multiple charges, including murder and continuous sexual abuse of a minor.

**Title: Text Messages Reveal Alleged Pregnancy and Abortion of 14-Year-Old Victim in D4vd Murder Case**

**Los Angeles, CA** – Text messages exchanged between singer D4vd, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, and 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, the girl he is accused of murdering, have come to light during a preliminary hearing in Los Angeles. The messages reveal that Celeste had been pregnant and had undergone an abortion prior to her death, raising further questions about the circumstances surrounding the case.

The hearing, which aims to determine whether Burke should stand trial for the murder, included details of text conversations that prosecutors claim demonstrate a troubling relationship between the two. According to the prosecution, Celeste texted Burke in June 2024, expressing concern about the possibility of a failed abortion: "What [if] the first abortion didn't work?" At the time, Celeste was just 13 years old, while Burke was 19.

Burke faces multiple charges, including murder and continuous sexual abuse of a minor, stemming from allegations that he killed Celeste after she threatened to disclose his alleged abuse. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

In another exchange from January 2024, Burke reportedly apologized to Celeste for "putting her through this." Celeste responded, "neither of us are capable of watching and taking care of the baby. it's for the best no?" The messages indicate a complex and troubling dynamic, with Burke asking if the child was indeed his, to which Celeste affirmed, "of course its yours David."

Prosecutors presented evidence recovered from Burke's iCloud account, which included texts dating back to August 2022, when Celeste was only 11 years old and Burke was 17. The messages suggest a prolonged interaction between the two, with Burke allegedly beginning to sexually abuse her when she was 13.

The case took a grim turn when Celeste's remains were discovered in the front trunk of Burke's Tesla in September 2025, shortly after her 15th birthday. Burke was reportedly on tour at the time of the discovery. Following the incident, he canceled his worldwide tour and largely withdrew from public life and social media. He was arrested in April 2026, several months after Celeste was reported missing by her family.

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman has filed seven criminal charges against Burke, including murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child, and mutilation of remains. Prosecutors allege that Celeste was last seen at Burke's Hollywood Hills home on April 3, 2025, five months before her body was found.

As the preliminary hearing continues, the prosecution is expected to present more evidence and witness testimonies to support their case against Burke. The outcome of this hearing could determine whether the case proceeds to trial, where more details about the relationship between Burke and Celeste are likely to emerge.

The case has drawn significant media attention, particularly given Burke's rise to fame as a musician on platforms like TikTok, where he gained popularity with hits such as "Romantic Homicide" and "Here With Me." As the legal proceedings unfold, the impact of these allegations on his career and public image remains to be seen.

The community and family of Celeste Rivas Hernandez are grappling with the tragic circumstances of her death, and the case has sparked discussions about the issues of consent, age differences in relationships, and the responsibilities of adults in positions of influence.

As the legal process continues, many await the court's decision on whether David Anthony Burke will stand trial for the alleged crimes against Celeste Rivas Hernandez.

Source: BBC World
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