3 Chilling Details Learned at D4vd’s Preliminary Hearing
Online sleuths and the LAPD were eyeing D4vd in the murder of Celeste Rivas Hernandez for months before his arrest. They sat on the arrest to ensure the case was as well-researched and airtight as possible. The TikToker turned musician then sat in a courtroom for his preliminary hearing. For four days, prosecutors laid out a series of increasingly disturbing pieces of evidence, from text messages to items he purchased after the slaying to his motives. Here are just a few disturbing details that were made public in D4vd’s preliminary hearing.
Celeste Had Been Pregnant Once Before Her Death
David Anthony Burke began grooming Celeste Rivas Hernandez years ago, but prosecutors believe the relationship became physical in 2023, when he was 18, and she was 13. Testimony introduced this week included text messages between the two that prosecutors say document that relationship.
The messages, shown in court, show that the teen was in distress during a large chunk of the sexual abuse, and had been pregnant with D4vd’s child at least once during the relationship. Prosecutors said Rivas Hernandez had an abortion the year before her death. In the messages, the slain teen expressed fear and terror over the idea of becoming pregnant again.
Luminol Revealed Blood Throughout His Garage
D4vd’s rental home was identified as the presumed scene of the crime, and luminol revealed where Burke likely dismembered the teen’s body. A criminalist with the Los Angeles Police Department testified that she sprayed the floor mats of Burke’s garage with a chemical reagent that makes blood glow blue under certain light, even when it isn’t visible to the naked eye. The test was positive for blood.
A photo shown in court depicted the entire area lit up bright blue. According to reports, the moment drew audible gasps from onlookers inside the courtroom. Prosecutors also noted that the blood found in the garage matched Rivas Hernandez’s DNA. The garage floor, apparently, was not the only spot where blood evidence connected Rivas Hernandez to the Hollywood home.
Chainsaws and a “Burn Box” Were Purchased Under Aliases
When Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s remains were found inside the front trunk, or “frunk,” of D4vd’s Tesla, they were in two separate bags. According to reports, prosecutors believe D4vd dismembered the teen before placing her remains into the bags and into the frunk of the car. The presented evidence to prove that assertion during D4vd’s preliminary hearing.
Evidence presented to the court revealed that the musician purchased chainsaws around the time Celeste is believed to have died. He also purchased a “burn box,” a steel device typically used to burn debris. Both the box and the chainsaws were purchased under aliases. A private investigator discovered the burn box months before D4vd’s arrest.
What Happens Next
The court proceedings were a preliminary hearing, not an official trial. A trial, if one is ordered, is likely months away. A preliminary hearing’s only job is to determine probable cause, allowing a judge to decide if the evidence is strong enough to move to trial. That decision is expected soon.
If a judge does decide the evidence is strong enough to move forward, a trial date will be set. D4vd is currently being held without bail. He will remain in custody throughout the proceedings. D4vd has pleaded not guilty.
