D4vd Celeste Rivas texts shown in court before her death
Prosecutors displayed messages at D4vd’s preliminary hearing as they outlined their murder case in Celeste Rivas’ death.
By Bianca Rossi · Entertainment Editor
2 min read
D4vd Celeste Rivas texts were shown in court Friday as prosecutors laid out messages they said revealed strain between the singer and the 14-year-old shortly before she was killed, TMZ reported.
The messages were presented during D4vd’s preliminary hearing, according to TMZ. Prosecutors displayed communications they said ran from August 2022 through March, about a month before Rivas was killed and dismembered.
D4vd has been charged with murder in Rivas’ death. He has pleaded not guilty, TMZ reported.
What did the D4vd Celeste Rivas texts say?
According to TMZ, prosecutors showed a March exchange in which Rivas told D4vd she no longer wanted any in-person contact with him. One message from Rivas said, “I don't want anything to do w u in person anymore.”
TMZ reported that Rivas also indicated any friendship would have to stay online. In the same conversation, D4vd responded, “Yeah the boundary setting is terrible.” Rivas replied, “It's not even that, D, a lot more than just that.”
Prosecutors used the messages as part of a broader presentation about the relationship between Rivas and D4vd, TMZ reported. The hearing centered on evidence prosecutors say supports the murder charge against the singer.
What else did prosecutors present in court?
Along with the text messages, prosecutors described numerous images they said showed Rivas engaged in sexual acts with the person they accuse of killing her, according to TMZ.
TMZ reported that the images were graphic enough that Rivas’ parents left the courtroom after prosecutors suggested they step out. The outlet also reported that prosecutors said Rivas became pregnant during the alleged sexual relationship and had an abortion.
Prosecutors allege D4vd killed Rivas because she threatened to reveal what they described as an illegal sexual relationship, TMZ reported. That allegation has not been proven in court.
A preliminary hearing is an early court proceeding where prosecutors present evidence and a judge considers whether the case should continue toward trial. It is not a determination of guilt.
Where does the case stand?
D4vd remains accused of murder in the case, and his not guilty plea means prosecutors must prove the charge in court. TMZ reported that the hearing has included evidence tied to the relationship between D4vd and Rivas, as well as material prosecutors say connects to the killing.
The newly disclosed messages add another element to the prosecution’s account: a teen girl telling D4vd she wanted distance, weeks before her death, as prosecutors argue the relationship was central to the alleged motive.
This story draws on original reporting from TMZ.