D4vd Preliminary Hearing: Texts Reveal Celeste Was 13 When Impregnated, Pre-Death Tension, and Graphic Photos Shown in Court
On day 3 of D4vd's murder preliminary hearing, his defense attorney challenged LAPD criminalists over possible blood evidence in Celeste Rivas' case.
A Los Angeles preliminary hearing in the murder case against singer D4vd (legal name David Anthony Burke) has continued with additional days of testimony. A medical examiner, Dr. Grant Ho, identified two stab wounds on 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez during his postmortem examination, and prosecutors have stated that bloodstains found on objects inside D4vd's home — including a tarp, mats, and an inflatable pool — probably belonged to the victim. On Friday, prosecutors introduced text messages between D4vd and Celeste from weeks before her death that allegedly showed rising tension and suggested she was distancing herself from him. Additional text exchanges from 2024 revealed that Celeste had been pregnant at age 13 and had an abortion approximately a year before her death. Graphic sexual photos depicting Celeste and D4vd were also presented in court, causing her parents to rush out of the courtroom. Additionally, gruesome photos of Celeste's dismembered and decomposing remains were shown, prompting others in attendance to leave as well. Celeste's mother had previously broken down in tears during an earlier session as criminalists described blood evidence. LAPD criminalist Lauren Wallace was cross-examined by defense attorney Blair Berk, who challenged the methods and conclusions surrounding the blood evidence analysis, and a second criminalist, Samantha Tosch, also testified. The preliminary hearing is the stage at which a judge determines whether sufficient evidence exists to send the case to trial.
Why it matters
The outcome of the preliminary hearing will determine whether D4vd — a rising music artist — stands trial for murder, making the credibility of the forensic evidence a pivotal issue in the case.
What's next
The preliminary hearing is ongoing, and a judge will ultimately rule on whether the evidence is sufficient to proceed to trial.
Key facts
- Thursday was day 3 of D4vd's preliminary hearing in the murder case of Celeste Rivas
- Defense attorney Blair Berk cross-examined LAPD criminalist Lauren Wallace about possible blood evidence
- A second criminalist named Samantha Tosch also testified during the session
- Celeste Rivas' mother was visibly distraught, described as doubled over crying in court
- D4vd reportedly showed no visible reaction, sitting stone-faced during witness testimony
- Both reports come exclusively from TMZ, with no independent corroboration from other outlets
Bias & framing notes
Both sources are from TMZ, a single entertainment-focused outlet, with no independent corroboration. Coverage leans heavily on courtroom atmosphere and emotional detail — such as D4vd's expression and the victim's mother's reaction — rather than substantive legal arguments or forensic findings. No statements from prosecutors, the defense, or official court documents are quoted directly, limiting factual verification.
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