The court examined phone records between the singer and Celeste Rivas Hernandez before her death.
On July 24, 2026, prosecutors presented text messages between singer David Burke and Celeste Rivas Hernandez in court. The January 2024 texts discussed a pregnancy and abortion. Authorities allege Burke murdered Hernandez to hide their illegal relationship and protect his music career.
The murder case against singer David Burke took a heavy turn in court. Prosecutors shared new evidence about his relationship with Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
Investigators found the digital records on the singer’s phone. These messages date back to January 2024. The texts show the pair discussing a secret pregnancy.
Apologies and paternity claims
The legal team read the private exchanges aloud in the courtroom. Burke sent multiple messages to Hernandez to say sorry.
”putting her through this,” Burke wrote.
The young girl quickly accepted his apology in the text thread. She told the singer that neither of them could raise a child. She agreed that ending the pregnancy made sense.
”It’s okay,” Hernandez responded.
”For the best,” she added.
The conversation then shifted to the baby’s paternity. Burke asked her directly if the child belonged to him.
”Of course it’s yours,” Hernandez replied.
Motive and courtroom reactions
Prosecutors used these messages to build their legal timeline. They claim Burke started dating Hernandez when she was just 13 years old. The singer was 18 at the time of the alleged crime.
The state believes Hernandez planned to expose this illegal relationship. They argue Burke stabbed her to stop the truth from ruining his music career.
Detectives also displayed personal photos and texts about contraception from the singer’s mobile device. These images showed Burke and Hernandez spending time together. The family of the victim cried openly as the state showed the visual evidence.
