New evidence has emerged in the ongoing murder case against the musician known as D4vd, whose legal name is David Burke, further complicating the tragic investigation into the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Investigators are currently examining a series of digital communications and photographs that allegedly indicate the pair had established contact as early as 2022.
According to a report by the New York Post, these “alleged messages and photos suggest d4vd and Celeste Rivas met as early as 2022 when she was 12,” a revelation that could prove critical for prosecutors as they build their case.
The discovery of these messages comes amid a series of severe criminal charges filed against Burke, who was arrested earlier this month in Los Angeles. Authorities allege that the singer engaged in a continuous pattern of sexual abuse toward the teenager, which prosecutors believe started when she was just 13 years old.
The case, which has drawn intense national attention due to the high profile of the defendant and the gruesome circumstances of the teen’s death, is now moving through the court system as defense attorneys prepare their strategy.
Read more about this topic: Singer d4vd charged with the murder of 14-year-old (with video)
The legal proceedings are escalating rapidly, with a judge recently scheduling a preliminary hearing to review the substantial evidence held by the District Attorney’s office.
As reported by the Associated Press, “lawyers for singer D4vd insisted Thursday on forcing prosecutors to show what evidence they have,” aiming to challenge the state’s timeline and claims during the upcoming proceedings. This evidentiary hearing, set for early May, will determine if there is enough probable cause to move forward with a full trial on charges including first-degree murder.
Beyond the initial murder charge, the investigation has revealed disturbing details regarding the treatment of the victim’s remains, which were discovered last September in the trunk of a Tesla registered to the singer.
The autopsy report, which was recently unsealed, confirmed that the teen died from penetrating wounds to her upper body before being dismembered. Burke has pleaded not guilty to all charges, including lewd and lascivious acts with a person under 14 and the mutilation of a corpse, while his legal team maintains that the evidence will prove his innocence.
Read more about this topic: D4vd: autopsy report reveals “multiple penetrating injuries” to victim (with videos)
The community and the family of Celeste Rivas Hernandez continue to seek justice as the legal process unfolds in the Hollywood Hills murder case. Prosecutors have indicated that they possess a voluminous amount of forensic evidence, including data recovered from the singer’s personal devices, to support their allegations.
With a trial date potentially on the horizon, the court remains the primary stage for resolving the dark questions surrounding the relationship and the ultimate demise of the young girl.
