The Relationship Began When Celeste Was 11
Prosecutors allege Burke first met Celeste when she was 11 years old and that the relationship became s*xual when she was 13.
Pregnancy and Abortions
Text messages recovered from Burke’s phone discussed Celeste becoming pregnant and undergoing abortions while she was a minor. These conversations were introduced by prosecutors as part of their evidence regarding the nature of the alleged relationship.
Celeste Threatened to Expose the Relationship ‘
According to text messages presented during the preliminary hearing, prosecutors allege Celeste threatened to reveal her relationship with Burke and “end your career and your life.” They argue this was a key motive behind the alleged killing because Burke feared the relationship becoming public as his music career was taking off.
Parents Were Aware of the Relationship
Investigators recovered messages suggesting Celeste’s parents knew she was seeing Burke. Prosecutors also said evidence showed they had signed paperwork allowing her to travel with him internationally.
d4vd Purchased Disposal Supplies
Court testimony stated that Burke allegedly purchased chainsaws, body bags, cleaning supplies, and an inflatable pool shortly before Celeste’s death. Prosecutors argue the items were used to dismember and dispose of her body.
More Than 40 Explicit Images Were Recovered
Investigators testified that forensic examinations uncovered more than 40 alleged child sexual abuse images involving Celeste on Burke’s electronic devices and cloud accounts.