How did prosecutors argue intent to kill against D4vd?

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Prosecutors Allege D4vd Intended to Kill Based on Text Messages and Actions

Prosecutors contend that American singer D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, demonstrated intent to kill the 14-year-old victim, Celeste Rivas Hernandez, through a series of actions and communications. The argument centres on text messages allegedly sent by Hernandez threatening to expose their relationship and end his career, followed by D4vd's actions in bringing her to his home and the subsequent discovery of her body. The prosecution disputes the defense's claims of accident or self-defense, labelling the killing as deliberate.
Threatening Text Messages Presented as Evidence

Prosecutors presented text messages purportedly from Celeste Rivas Hernandez as crucial evidence of motive and intent. These messages, allegedly sent approximately 24 hours before her death in April 2025, contained explicit threats. One such message stated, “I swear to GOD I will kill u she was in my dam seat i will strangle u...i will end ur career and ur life [sic] I will damage anything.” The prosecution argues these threats provided a motive for D4vd to silence Hernandez and prevent the revelation of their alleged illegal sexual relationship, which began when she was 13 and he was 18.
Actions Following Threats Underscore Intent

Following the alleged threats, prosecutors claim D4vd took specific actions that support the assertion of intent to kill. It is alleged that D4vd paid for an Uber to transport Hernandez to his home after she sent the threatening messages. The prosecution argues this action, coupled with the subsequent stabbing, indicates a deliberate plan rather than an accidental encounter. Furthermore, the discovery of Hernandez's body in the trunk of D4vd's Tesla, along with Amazon receipts for items such as chainsaws, an inflatable pool, and a portable burn box incinerator, are presented as evidence of an attempt to conceal the crime, further suggesting premeditation.
Prosecution Rejects Defense Claims of Accident

The prosecution directly countered the defense's argument that Hernandez's actions and mental state, including claims of bipolar disorder and suicidal ideation, suggested no deliberate intention to kill on D4vd's part. Prosecutor Beth Silverman stated, "there’s nothing in this case that sounds like an accident" and accused the defense of attempting to "dirtying up the victim" to support their narrative. The prosecution maintains that the evidence points towards a calculated act of murder, refuting any notion that the killing was a result of self-defense or an unintended consequence of a confrontation.

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How did prosecutors argue intent to kill against D4vd?

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