Overview of D4vd Trial: Somehow Worse Than We Thought (Shocking Updates) - H3 After Dark #82
This episode is a commentary-heavy breakdown of the latest preliminary hearing in the case against singer d4vd (David Burke), centered on the alleged killing of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose body was found in the trunk of his Tesla. Ethan Klein and the panel walk through the prosecution’s timeline, including disturbing text messages, allegations of grooming and sexual abuse, a secret abortion, and the evidence that convinced the judge to send the case to trial.
Case Background
- Celeste Rivas Hernandez was reportedly 14 years old when she died.
- Prosecutors allege d4vd began contacting her when she was 11 or 12, escalating into a relationship involving grooming, sexual abuse, and control.
- The body was discovered in the trunk of his Tesla, and prosecutors have charged him with:
- Murder
- Continuous sexual abuse of a minor
- Mutilation of a corpse
Major Evidence Presented
The episode focuses heavily on evidence prosecutors say came from d4vd’s phone, Tesla data, and online activity:
- Thousands of text messages
- Dozens of explicit photos
- Uber records
- Tesla location/sync data
- Alleged purchase history showing suspicious items ordered on Amazon, including:
- Chainsaws
- Body bag
- Inflatable pool
- Burning equipment / burn cage
The hosts emphasize how much of the case appears to be supported by digital evidence.
Key Timeline According to Prosecutors
2022: Early Contact
- Prosecutors say d4vd may have been in contact with Celeste as early as August 2022, when she was 11.
- By October 2022, he was allegedly talking to her on Discord while she was 12.
January 2024: Abortion and Continued Abuse
- The episode’s biggest bombshell was the revelation that Celeste allegedly had an abortion at 13 years old.
- Texts presented in court show d4vd discussing the pregnancy and saying things like “I’m sorry to put you through this.”
- The hosts interpret this as further proof of the relationship’s exploitation and control.
February–April 2024: “Operation Awesome”
- The pair allegedly planned for Celeste to move in with him, which the show mocks as a disturbing kidnapping-style plan.
- Her parents reported her missing intermittently, and police were eventually told d4vd was the last person seen with her.
- He allegedly claimed he had only met her once, despite evidence suggesting a long-running relationship.
Summer 2024: Breakup, Fights, and Jealousy
- After an alleged breakup in late 2024, they kept arguing over the relationship.
- The transcript highlights texts in which Celeste says:
- “I literally had sex with you for almost a year straight.”
- She would “destroy” him and ruin his career.
- The panel discusses how the relationship may have become more volatile as his fame and tour plans accelerated.
April 2024: Final Days
- On the day of a major tour announcement, Celeste and d4vd allegedly had a prolonged fight.
- He then ordered her to come over via Uber.
- Prosecutors believe she arrived at his home and was killed shortly afterward.
- That night, he allegedly drove to Santa Barbara County and discarded her passport.
After the Alleged Murder
- He allegedly ordered more suspicious items online under an alias.
- His Tesla was moved around Los Angeles for weeks.
- The car was eventually towed, and Celeste’s body was found after the smell drew attention.
What Happened in Court
The preliminary hearing focused on whether there was enough evidence to proceed to trial. The judge ruled:
- Yes, the case goes to trial
- All charges remain intact
- All three special circumstances were upheld:
- Ambush killing
- Killing to cover up sexual abuse
- Killing for financial gain
This matters because it keeps open the possibility of capital punishment under California law, though the hosts note that an actual execution is very unlikely.
Defense Strategy and Rebuttal
The episode also covers what the defense appears to be attempting:
- Arguing Celeste may have lied about her age
- Trying to frame her as unstable, suicidal, or possibly bipolar
- Suggesting self-defense or that she was the aggressor in past incidents
- Challenging the state’s interpretation of the sexual abuse timeline
The prosecution’s response, as described in the episode:
- The texts show a groomed minor being manipulated
- Any mental health issues were likely worsened by the abuse
- The physical evidence does not support self-inflicted wounds
- The self-defense theory appears weak given the digital and forensic record
Tone and Takeaways
Tone
- The episode is highly sarcastic, darkly comic, and openly accusatory.
- Ethan and the panel repeatedly mock the idea that d4vd “didn’t know” Celeste was a child.
Main Takeaways
- The prosecution’s case appears very strong
- Digital evidence is central and highly damaging
- The judge’s decision means the case is definitely heading to trial
- The panel believes multiple adults around Celeste likely knew what was happening and failed to intervene
Notable Point Raised at the End
The episode closes by stressing that this likely wasn’t possible without a wider circle of people who either knew or looked the other way:
- Family members allegedly knew the relationship existed
- Questions remain about how much managers, friends, and industry people knew
- The hosts suggest there may be more accountability to come
Final Status of the Case
- Trial is moving forward
- Not televised
- Expected to begin within roughly 90 days
- The hosts expect more revelations, especially about who else may have known about the relationship and the disposal of evidence