D4vd Faces Preliminary Hearing Over Murder of 14-Year-Old Celeste Rivas Hernandez

Preliminary Hearing Commences in Los Angeles

A preliminary hearing began Tuesday in Los Angeles Superior Court to determine if there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial against 21-year-old singer David Anthony Burke, professionally known as D4vd, in the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. According to apnews.com, the proceeding is expected to last approximately four days and will function as an abbreviated “mini-trial” without a jury. Judge Charlaine Olmedo will evaluate whether prosecutors have demonstrated probable cause to move the case forward.

Burke, who has pleaded not guilty to charges including first-degree murder with special circumstances, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains, remains in custody without bail. During the hearing, the defendant is appearing in jail clothing after Judge Olmedo denied a defense request to allow him to wear a suit. Per sundayguardianlive.com, the court has prohibited all media cameras from filming inside the courtroom.

Prosecution Details Alleged Motive and Crime

Prosecutors allege that Burke met Hernandez in 2022 when she was 11 and began a sexual relationship with her in November 2023, when she was 13 and he was 18. According to kesq.com, the victim was reported missing three times in early 2024.

Court documents cited by Theguardian state that on April 23, 2025, Burke sent a car to bring Hernandez from her home in Lake Elsinore to his rented house in the Hollywood Hills. Prosecutors contend that Burke stabbed the teenager to death shortly after her arrival to prevent her from exposing their relationship, which he feared would ruin his music career.

The prosecution plans to present evidence indicating that Burke used chain saws to dismember the victim’s body in his garage. Evidence cited by officials includes DNA blood stains found in the garage and records of purchases for items such as chainsaws, wading pools, and a body bag. Prosecutors further allege that the victim’s remains were stored for months in a Tesla registered to Burke, which was later impounded at a Hollywood tow yard after a manager noticed a strong odor and flies.

Defense Position and Case History

Burke’s attorney, Blair Berk, has maintained that her client is not responsible for the death of Rivas Hernandez. The defense team has argued that the evidence presented will show that Burke was not the cause of the teenager’s death.

The investigation into the case involved significant delays, partly due to the volume of evidence and the need to subpoena uncooperative witnesses. According to abc7.com, the victim’s body was identified in September 2025, just days after what would have been her 15th birthday.

If the case proceeds to trial and Burke is convicted of murder, he could face life in prison without the possibility of parole or the death penalty, a decision the District Attorney’s office is currently weighing. Following the conclusion of the preliminary hearing, Judge Olmedo will issue a ruling on whether the state has met its burden of proof to advance the case to a full criminal trial.