Explosive text messages between 14-year-old Celeste Rivas and singer David Burke, known professionally as D4vd, have emerged in court during a preliminary hearing in connection with Rivas’ murder. Prosecutors presented messages indicating that Rivas threatened to damage Burke’s career and end his life the day before she was killed.

The exchanges, dated April 22, 2025, reveal a heated confrontation between the two, reportedly fueled by jealousy over another woman Burke had been associating with. In one message, Rivas expressed strong disapproval of Burke’s relationship with the other woman and issued violent threats, stating she would “kill you” and “end your career and life.” The following day, prosecutors say Burke arranged for Rivas to be driven by Uber to his Hollywood Hills residence, where he allegedly stabbed her to death.

Prosecutors argue that Burke feared Rivas exposing their relationship publicly, which may have motivated the killing. Evidence presented includes blood found in Burke’s garage that matched Rivas and graphic autopsy photos showing Rivas’ battered body, which medical examiner Dr. Grant Ho testified had been dismembered, possibly using a power tool. The dismemberment included removal of her hands and fingers. Dr. Ho confirmed the cause of death as homicide due to multiple penetrating injuries.

Burke’s defense team raised the possibility that Rivas might have inflicted some wounds on herself, noting two injuries on her body. However, Dr. Ho clarified that hesitation marks which would indicate self-infliction were absent.

During the hearing, additional messages surfaced suggesting Rivas was 13 years old when she allegedly had an abortion after becoming pregnant by Burke, who was 18 at the time. In January 2024 texts, Burke apologized for the situation, and questioned if he was the father. Rivas’s family did not respond to the abortion allegations publicly.

The preliminary hearing has been emotionally charged. Graphic images of Rivas’ decomposing body inside Burke’s Tesla were shown in court, prompting her parents to leave the courtroom visibly distraught. Patrick Steinfeld, the family’s attorney, described the experience as deeply traumatic for the family.

Burke faces multiple charges including first-degree murder with special circumstances—lying in wait, murder of a witness, and murder for financial gain—as well as lewd and lascivious acts with a minor under 14 and mutilation of a body. If convicted, he could face life imprisonment or the death penalty.

After hearing the evidence, the judge found sufficient cause to proceed to trial. The case remains scheduled for further proceedings.