Singer D4vd’s Preliminary Hearing Begins With Graphic Evidence in Teen’s Murder Case

Singer D4vd, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, faced his first public hearing July 21 in Los Angeles as prosecutors presented graphic crime scene photographs and detailed testimony in the murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Burke, 21, is accused of stabbing the teen to death on April 23, 2025, after she threatened to expose their illegal sexual relationship and destroy his music career. The preliminary hearing will determine whether a judge finds enough evidence to send the case to trial. Burke has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

What prosecutors say happened

Prosecutors allege Burke began sexually abusing Hernandez in 2023 when she was 13 and he was 18. On April 23, 2025, Burke allegedly stabbed her multiple times in his Hollywood Hills home after she threatened to go public about their relationship. He then ordered chainsaws and a body bag online using an alias but his own credit cards. Hernandez’s dismembered body was found September 8, 2025, in the trunk of Burke’s Tesla at a Hollywood tow yard, five months after her death.

Evidence presented on day one

Detective Joshua Byers testified that Burke ordered two of three chainsaws, an inflatable pool, and a shovel in the days after Hernandez’s death. Most items were found in Burke’s garage when police served a warrant. A blood stain in the garage matched Hernandez’s DNA. Prosecutors also displayed photographs of Hernandez’s dismembered and decomposing body, including images showing two severed fingers. Police found a tattoo reading “SHHHH” on one of her fingers, which Burke allegedly removed to erase evidence linking them.

Burke’s response and legal status

Burke appeared in court July 21 wearing an orange jail uniform and shackles. He showed no visible emotion as prosecutors presented the graphic evidence. His attorneys requested the shackles be removed, arguing they were undignified and unnecessary. The judge allowed his handcuffs to be removed so he could take notes and drink water but denied the broader request. Burke remains in custody without bail.

What happens next

The preliminary hearing is expected to last three to seven days. Prosecutors plan to call more than 10 witnesses. At the conclusion, the judge will decide whether there is sufficient probable cause to send the case to trial. If convicted on all counts, Burke faces the death penalty or life in prison without parole. District Attorney Nathan Hochman said prosecutors are still evaluating whether to seek the death penalty.

Final Thoughts

The preliminary hearing marks the first public airing of evidence in a case that drew international attention. Burke’s fate now rests on whether a judge finds probable cause to proceed to trial, with the death penalty a possible outcome if convicted.

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