Preliminary Hearing for alt-Pop Singer D4vd
In a recent court appearance, the alt-pop artist known as “D4vd,” whose real name is David Burke, faced a preliminary hearing. Prosecutors are expected to present significant evidence linking him to the murder and dismemberment of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
Court documents indicate that on April 23, 2025, Burke allegedly killed Hernandez at his Hollywood Hills residence after she threatened to disclose their relationship, which he feared could jeopardize his music career.
This hearing commenced on Tuesday and is anticipated to last between three and seven days. Initial testimonies from law enforcement and forensic specialists will cover DNA evidence, crime scene analysis, and autopsy results that clarify the cause of death.
Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo will assess whether the evidence presented is adequate for moving forward to trial.
Burke has pleaded not guilty and faces serious charges, including first-degree murder, mutilation of human remains, and continuous child sexual abuse.
“These are the most severe charges that a DA’s Office can bring, including first-degree murder with special circumstances,” remarked Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman when detailing the accusations against Burke.
Throughout the hearing, prosecutors plan to introduce crucial digital and physical evidence, such as text exchanges between Burke and Hernandez, cell phone location data, and surveillance footage that captured her arrival at his home the night of her death.
Financial records and digital activity are also set to be presented, illustrating online purchases made under aliases for items like an inflatable pool, chainsaws, heavy-duty bags, and a shovel—tools the accused reportedly used in the alleged crime.
The court filings reveal that Burke and Hernandez first met in January 2022 when she was only 11 years old. Reports suggest that their sexual relationship began in 2023 when she was 13 and he was 18.
Details from the filings indicate that Hernandez had become frustrated with Burke’s involvement with other women and had threatened to expose their illicit relationship, leading to a fierce argument the night prior to her death.
On the evening of the incident—just two days before Burke’s first album was scheduled to launch—he arranged for an Uber to pick her up. Prosecutors allege that Burke stabbed Hernandez while she was in an inflatable pool in his garage, watching her bleed out.
Burke was arrested seven months after authorities discovered Hernandez’s severely decayed remains in his abandoned Tesla at a towing yard.
The preliminary hearing was initially slated for May 1 but was postponed due to the revelation of extensive digital evidence, first delayed to May 26 and then rescheduled to June 29 before further adjustments landed it on July 21.
