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A preliminary hearing in the murder case against singer D4vd, whose real name is David Burke, is scheduled to begin Tuesday in Los Angeles. This hearing will mark the first time evidence and testimony are presented in court.
Burke was arrested and charged in April with the murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez after a lengthy investigation. He faces multiple serious charges, including first-degree murder, sexual abuse of a child, and unlawful mutilation of human remains. Burke has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The hearing is expected to last between three and seven days. Prosecutors aim to establish probable cause to proceed to trial.
According to prosecutors, Burke and Rivas Hernandez began a sexual relationship in 2023 when he was 18 and she was 13. They allege that Rivas Hernandez threatened to expose the relationship and damage Burke’s career unless he committed exclusively to her.
Just before tickets for Burke’s world tour were set to go on sale, prosecutors claim he ordered an Uber to bring Rivas Hernandez to his Hollywood Hills residence on April 23, 2025. That was reportedly the last time she was seen alive.
Prosecutors further allege that Burke stabbed the teenager multiple times, watched her bleed to death, and then attempted to cover up the crime by dismembering her body. Part of this alleged cover-up included ordering two chainsaws online.
It is also claimed that Burke amputated her left ring and pinky fingers to remove a tattoo of his name on her ring finger. Those fingers have not been recovered.
Rivas Hernandez’s remains were discovered in September 2025, four months after her disappearance, in two body bags stored in the front trunk of Burke’s Tesla, prosecutors said.
During his April arraignment, Burke’s defense attorney, Blair Berk, requested an expedited preliminary hearing, asserting that the evidence will prove Burke did not commit the murder. Burke has been held without bail since his arrest.
Burke’s legal team has pledged to vigorously defend his innocence, stating that the evidence will show he was not responsible for Rivas Hernandez’s death.
Meanwhile, an attorney representing Rivas Hernandez’s family said they will not be making further public statements due to the distressing nature of the case. The family is focused on grieving and healing amid overwhelming pain.
The upcoming hearing will be a crucial step in determining whether this case proceeds to trial.