The preliminary hearing for David Anthony Burke, a 21-year-old singer known by the stage name D4vd, began this week in a downtown Los Angeles courtroom. Burke is facing charges related to the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. During the opening day of the proceedings, prosecutors presented graphic evidence to the court, including crime scene photographs that displayed the victim’s remains found inside a Tesla registered to Burke in Hollywood, Los Angeles.
Graphic Evidence Presented in Murder Case Against David Anthony Burke
According to prosecutors, the victim’s body was discovered in September 2025, months after authorities believe she was killed in April 2025. The evidence presented included images of the victim’s torso and head located in the trunk of the vehicle. Patrick Steinfeld, an attorney representing the victim’s family, stated that the parents, Jesus Rivas and Mercedes Martinez, chose to remain in the courtroom despite warnings regarding the distressing nature of the visual evidence.
Allegations of Dismemberment and Concealment
Homicide detectives testified that Burke ordered several items online in the days following the teenager’s death, including chainsaws, an inflatable pool, body bags, and a shovel. Prosecutors allege that these items were delivered to Burke’s address under an alias and subsequently utilized to dismember and conceal the victim’s body.
The prosecution contends that Burke stabbed the teenager before using a chainsaw to dismember her. They allege the motivation for the killing was to conceal a long-term sexual relationship with the minor, which the victim had reportedly threatened to expose, potentially jeopardizing Burke’s music career. Court proceedings also heard evidence regarding tattoos that investigators say linked Burke and the victim.
Legal Charges and Potential Penalties
Burke was arrested and charged in April 2026 with first-degree murder with special circumstances. According to Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman, the specific circumstances include allegations of lying in wait, committing the crime for financial gain, and murdering a witness in an investigation. Additionally, the singer faces charges of continuous sexual acts and lewd and lascivious acts with an individual under 14 years old, as well as the mutilation of human remains.
The special allegations further note the use of a deadly and dangerous weapon, specifically a sharp instrument, used to fatally stab the victim. If convicted, Burke faces a potential sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole. Authorities have indicated that the possibility of the death penalty remains under consideration.
Status of the Preliminary Hearing
The preliminary hearing is expected to span approximately four days, during which Judge Charlaine Olmedo will determine if there is sufficient evidence to proceed to a full trial. On Wednesday, the victim’s family departed the courthouse early to prepare for subsequent testimony, which is scheduled to include an appearance by the medical examiner.
The courtroom has remained at capacity throughout the initial proceedings, with members of the public, journalists, and various content creators attending after securing seats through a lottery system. Burke, who appeared in court wearing an orange jail uniform and shackles, remains in custody as the legal process continues to unfold.
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