During the ongoing preliminary hearing in the murder case against singer David Anthony Burke, known professionally as D4vd, new testimony has emerged regarding what the parents of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez allegedly knew about her relationship with the artist.

According to reports from the fifth day of proceedings in Los Angeles, LAPD Detective Corey Farrell testified that both D4vd’s parents and Celeste’s parents were aware of the pair’s relationship. Farrell told the court that D4vd had attended church with Celeste’s family and that her parents had given her permission to travel to London with the singer for a week when she was a minor.

The defense has pointed to this testimony to argue that the relationship was not entirely concealed from the families involved. This contrasts with earlier public statements from Celeste’s family members, who have indicated limited knowledge of the full extent of the relationship.

D4vd, now 21, faces charges including first-degree murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and mutilation of human remains in connection with the death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Her body was discovered in the front trunk of his Tesla in 2025. He has pleaded not guilty. Prosecutors allege the relationship began when Celeste was a minor and that her death was intended to prevent her from disclosing details that could damage his career.

Celeste had been reported as a runaway multiple times by her parents in Riverside County. The case has drawn intense public scrutiny, with the preliminary hearing featuring text messages, forensic evidence, and testimony about the circumstances surrounding her disappearance and death.

A judge recently ordered D4vd to stand trial. The District Attorney’s office is expected to decide on whether to seek the death penalty after consulting the victim’s family. Arraignment is scheduled for later this year. D4vd remains in custody.

As the legal process continues, the new details about parental awareness have fueled online discussion and questions about the adults surrounding Celeste at the time.

Sources: FOX 11 Los Angeles