D4vd murder case update: Prosecutors reveal alleged text trail with Celeste Rivas as missing evidence complicates investigation

The murder case involving singer D4vd has entered a critical phase after prosecutors presented what they described as an 18-month text message history between the artist and 14-year-old Celeste Rivas, while also revealing several major pieces of evidence that investigators have not recovered.

During a preliminary hearing, prosecutors argued that the alleged conversations document the development of the relationship between D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, and Celeste, including discussions about pregnancy concerns, abortion, plans to leave home and their final meeting before her death.

D4vd has pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under the age of 14 and unlawful mutilation of human remains.


According to details reported by TMZ, Deputy District Attorney Beth Silverman presented messages that prosecutors say date back to 2023, when Celeste was 13 and D4vd was 18. Prosecutors also stated that communication between the two allegedly began even earlier.

Prosecutors said that by early 2024, conversations allegedly involved pregnancy and abortion-related discussions. They presented messages they claim show D4vd apologising for putting Celeste through a difficult situation and asking about a medical appointment.

Later messages allegedly showed the pair discussing plans for Celeste to leave her family home. Prosecutors referred to the alleged plan as “Operation Awesome”, involving packing belongings and arranging transportation. Celeste’s family reported her missing around that time.

Final messages before Celeste’s alleged murder

Prosecutors focused on messages from early 2025, arguing they showed growing tension between the two. In a March 2025 exchange, Celeste expressed that she wanted more from the relationship than simply meeting for sex and spending time together.

The prosecution then turned to April 23, 2025, the day they allege Celeste went to D4vd’s Hollywood Hills home.

Authorities said Uber records showed Celeste travelled to the residence after D4vd arranged the ride. Prosecutors told the court that after the trip ended, D4vd repeatedly sent messages asking where she was, despite records indicating she had already arrived.

Prosecutors allege D4vd killed Celeste at the property, dismembered her remains and placed them inside bags that were later discovered in his Tesla.

Missing evidence becomes major challenge for prosecutors

Alongside the alleged text messages, prosecutors also disclosed several pieces of evidence they have not recovered.

According to TMZ’s reporting, authorities said the suspected murder weapon has not been found. Prosecutors also stated that two of Celeste’s fingers, including a left ring finger they said had a tattoo linked to D4vd, remain missing.

Other unrecovered items reportedly include a shovel, a blue Makita 10-inch chainsaw, a fire mat, Celeste’s purse, both phones belonging to Celeste and D4vd, and security footage from D4vd’s home covering the period between 10:10 pm and 10:31 pm on April 23, 2025.

Prosecutors said investigators believe D4vd had possession of some of these items at some point. However, they acknowledged that evidence collection was complicated because authorities became involved months after Celeste’s remains were discovered.

Defence disputes prosecutors’ interpretation

D4vd’s defence team has challenged the prosecution’s portrayal of the relationship. Defence attorney Blair Berk argued that prosecutors were presenting messages without important context. According to TMZ, the defence pointed to conversations in which Celeste allegedly portrayed herself as older online, threatened to harm D4vd’s career and repeatedly attempted to meet him.

The defence also argued that Celeste initiated plans to meet on April 23 and that D4vd only arranged transportation after she requested it.