Updated

Updated · Los Angeles Times · Jul 24

D4vd Phone Evidence Ties Him to 13-Year-Old's Pregnancy and Abortion Before Alleged Murder

Updated

Updated · Los Angeles Times · Jul 24

D4vd Phone Evidence Ties Him to 13-Year-Old's Pregnancy and Abortion Before Alleged Murder

Q: Could the unidentified DNA found among the gruesome evidence suggest someone else was involved in this horrific cover-up?

Not at this stage. The unidentified DNA does not, by itself, show that someone else helped kill Celeste Rivas Hernandez or took part in a cover-up. What has been described in court is a mixed DNA sample from the outside of a trash bag found in the garage. An LAPD criminalist testified the swab contained DNA from four people, at least two of them male, and that David Burke, known as d4vd, was included in that mixture. But the testing was not strong enough to identify him as a primary contributor, and mixed samples are common on handled household items. Investigators also said Burke lived in a residence where multiple people had access, which gives the defense room to argue innocent transfer or contamination. That matters because the stronger forensic evidence presented so far points elsewhere. Criminalists testified that multiple stains in the garage and Tesla matched Celeste’s DNA with extremely high statistical certainty, including samples from a rowing machine, rubber mat, Tesla charger plug, green tarp, and compartments in the Tesla. Prosecutors also presented cellphone, Tesla location, purchase, and message evidence that they say ties Burke to the killing and concealment. The unidentified DNA could become relevant if later testing links it to a specific person with a meaningful connection to the case. For now, though, it is more a point the defense may use to raise doubt than a clear sign of an accomplice.

3 articles · Updated · Los Angeles Times · Jul 24

Nearly 50 photos and months of texts from D4vd’s phone were shown in court Friday, with an LAPD detective saying they documented sexual abuse of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, then 13, before her alleged killing.
January 2024 messages showed Hernandez saying she was pregnant with Burke’s child and discussing an abortion he allegedly urged her to get; later texts showed her regret and tied the relationship to plans to live together.
Those records also undercut Burke’s earlier claim to deputies that he had met Hernandez only once and did not know she was under 18, while prosecutors say he kept contact going after she was reported missing.
Prosecutors contend Burke stabbed the 14-year-old in April 2025 after she threatened to expose the relationship, then dismembered her body to hide evidence; the preliminary hearing is expected to wrap up Monday.