Singer-songwriter David Anthony Burke, professionally known as D4vd, faces a preliminary hearing in Los Angeles this week to determine if sufficient evidence exists to try him for the murder and sexual abuse of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose remains were discovered in his Tesla in September 2025.
The Preliminary Hearing: Establishing Probable Cause
Beginning this Tuesday, Judge Charlaine Olmedo will preside over a preliminary hearing in Los Angeles to evaluate the state’s case against 21-year-old David Burke. This proceeding acts as a mini trial
without a jury, where prosecutors must demonstrate there is probable cause to move forward with a full trial on charges of murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains, as reported by AP News.
Burke, who has been held without bail since his April arrest, appeared in court wearing jail clothing after the judge denied a request for him to wear a suit. The hearing is expected to conclude on Thursday, marking the first time the public will see the prosecution’s evidence, which has reportedly caused previous delays due to its sheer volume.
Prosecutors’ Allegations Regarding the Crime
According to court documents, investigators allege that Burke and Rivas Hernandez began a sexual relationship in November 2023 when he was 18 and she was 13. Prosecutors contend that Burke, fearing the teenager would expose their relationship and ruin his burgeoning music career, lured her to his rented Hollywood Hills residence on April 23, 2025.
The state intends to present a graphic timeline of the events following her arrival. Court filings state that Burke stabbed the teenager to death shortly after she arrived from her home in Lake Elsinore. The prosecution’s evidence includes forensic findings of the victim’s DNA on blood stains recovered from the garage floor of the residence.
Prosecutors said they have records showing Burke ordered chain saws and wading pools that he used to dismember her body in his garage.
Prosecutors further allege that Burke specifically targeted the victim’s fingers during the mutilation process. Amputated her ring finger, which had a tattoo of his name,
the filing noted. The remains were later discovered in a Tesla registered to the singer, which had been impounded at a Hollywood tow yard in September 2025 after a manager reported a pungent odor
and the presence of flies emanating from the vehicle.
Musical Career and Defense Stance
Prior to his arrest, Burke had achieved significant viral success, rising to prominence on platforms like TikTok and Spotify. His 2022 breakthrough single, Romantic Homicide,
garnered over a billion plays. However, his professional momentum halted abruptly following the discovery of the remains in his vehicle. His scheduled international tour for his debut album, Withered, was canceled, and numerous former collaborators have severed ties with the artist.
Burke has entered a plea of not guilty to all charges. His defense attorney, Blair Berk, has maintained that the singer was not the cause
of Rivas Hernandez’s death. While the defense has not yet presented a comprehensive narrative of the events, they unsuccessfully attempted to have the prosecution’s pre-hearing evidentiary memo sealed earlier this year.
As the hearing progresses, the court must resolve why nearly seven months passed between the discovery of the remains and Burke’s formal arrest. Prosecutors have cited the need to subpoena uncooperative witnesses and the delay in finalizing the official autopsy report, which was not released until December 2025. Whether the evidence presented this week is sufficient to overcome the defense’s challenges remains the central question as the proceedings continue.
Sources: Theguardian.
Keep reading
