D4vd hearing details high hopes and brutal end of girl at heart of murder case

A preliminary hearing has revealed disturbing details regarding the murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, allegedly by pop singer D4vd. Prosecutors presented evidence of a long-term, abusive relationship that the singer attempted to conceal through violence.
Why it matters
The case highlights issues of child exploitation and the intersection of celebrity culture with criminal behavior.
A makeshift memorial for Celeste Rivas Hernandez outside her home in Lake Elsinore, California, on 21 April 2026. A makeshift memorial for Celeste Rivas Hernandez outside her home in Lake Elsinore, California, on 21 April 2026. Los Angeles D4vd hearing details high hopes and brutal end of girl at heart of murder case Texts reveal that singer and Celeste Rivas Hernandez had been in touch stretching back to when she was 11 years old
Prefer the Guardian on Google T he rising pop singer D4vd and 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez were in the throes of a clandestine relationship months before her mangled and decomposing body turned up last September stuffed in an impounded car registered to the musician.
D4vd, born David Anthony Burke, is set to stand trial for murder, child sexual abuse and mutilation of human remains in connection to the teenager’s death.
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