Teen’s Murder Case Highlights Digital Surveillance and Child Safety
Texts between singer D4vd and Celeste Rivas Hernandez, the 14‑year‑old he is accused of murdering, reveal her pregnancy and abortion before her death.
The messages were shown to a judge who would decide whether the singer, David Anthony Burke, should stand trial for the teen’s death last year.
"What if the first abortion didn't work?" Celeste texted Burke in June 2024, according to prosecutors. She was 13 at the time and he was 19.
Prosecutors claim Burke killed her after she threatened to expose his abuse of a minor, which could have ended his career. He has pleaded not guilty to murder and sexual abuse charges.
In January 2024, Burke apologized to Celeste for "putting her through this" in an exchanged text. Celeste replied, "neither of us are capable of watching and taking care of the baby. it's for the best no?"
Burke asked "also my mother always told me to ask this question if I was ever in this situation … it is mine right?" Celeste answered, "of course its yours David."
The court also heard that in June 2024, Burke sent Celeste: "Let's let this abortion be the last one til we have the real one…" prosecutors presented iCloud data recovered from his iPhone, showing texts back to 8 August 2022 when she was 11 and he 17.
D4vd rose to fame on TikTok with hits like Romantic Homicide and Here With Me, and he was on tour when police found Celeste’s body in the front truck of his Tesla in September 2025 – the day after she would have turned 15.
His worldwide tour was canceled and he largely withdrew from public life and social media. Police announced his arrest in April this year, and Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman filed seven criminal charges, including murder and sexual abuse.
Celeste had been reported missing by family and last seen at his Hollywood Hills home on 3 April 2025. Prosecutors say he met her online when she was 11 and began abusing her when she was 13 and he was 18.
The case spotlights the growing importance of digital evidence in safeguarding children, prompting calls for stronger oversight of online platforms and enforcement of child protection laws.
