D4vd murder case hearing shows explicit photos of Celeste Rivas
Prosecutors showed explicit photos and texts at D4vd’s preliminary hearing, prompting Celeste Rivas’ parents to leave in tears, TMZ reported.
By Poppy Nakagawa · Culture Writer
3 min read
The D4vd murder case took a painful turn Friday when prosecutors displayed sexually explicit images involving Celeste Rivas during the singer’s preliminary hearing, prompting her parents to leave the courtroom in tears, TMZ reported.
According to TMZ, the photos shown in court depicted Celeste in sexual encounters with D4vd. Prosecutors presented the images as part of their case against the singer, who is charged with murdering Celeste.
Celeste’s parents became visibly upset as the images appeared on a screen, TMZ reported. Prosecutors then suggested that her mother and father leave the courtroom, telling them they should not have to see the material, according to the outlet.
The parents exited while crying, TMZ reported.
What happened in the D4vd murder case hearing?
Prosecutors used Friday’s preliminary hearing to show images and messages they say are tied to the relationship between D4vd and Celeste. A preliminary hearing is a stage in a criminal case where prosecutors present evidence before trial proceedings move further.
TMZ reported that prosecutors said Celeste was 14 when she was killed in April 2025. Prosecutors also said the first communication between Celeste and D4vd happened in August 2022, when she was 11 and he was 17.
Along with the images, prosecutors showed what TMZ described as sexually charged text messages. The messages included discussions about birth control and the morning-after pill, according to the outlet.
TMZ reported that one exchange included Celeste saying that if she became pregnant, she would terminate the pregnancy. Prosecutors also showed messages in which the two discussed possibly living together and getting married, according to the report.
What are prosecutors alleging against D4vd?
Prosecutors allege D4vd killed Celeste because she threatened to expose what they describe as an illegal sexual relationship, TMZ reported. The allegation has not been proven in court.
D4vd has pleaded not guilty to the murder charge, according to TMZ. No response from D4vd was reported in Friday’s account beyond his existing plea.
The hearing is part of the criminal case against the singer, and the evidence described Friday came from prosecutors’ presentation in court. The material shown included both images and text exchanges, with Celeste’s parents leaving before the presentation continued, TMZ reported.
The case has drawn attention because of Celeste’s age at the time prosecutors say the communication began and her age at the time of her death. Prosecutors’ timeline, as reported by TMZ, places the start of contact nearly three years before the alleged killing.
D4vd remains accused, not convicted. The murder charge and the prosecutors’ claims will have to be tested through the legal process.
This story draws on original reporting from TMZ.