Full Breakdown
Singer D4vd (David Anthony Burke) Faces Preliminary Hearing in Murder, Abuse, and Dismemberment Case
4/25/2026, 8:01:38 AM
Core Event: Preliminary Evidentiary Hearing Set for May 1
Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo ordered a four-to-five-day preliminary evidentiary hearing to begin May 1. The hearing will determine whether prosecutors have probable cause to send 21-year-old singer David Anthony Burke—known as D4vd—to trial for the killing, sexual abuse, and mutilation of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Burke entered a not-guilty plea at his April 20 arraignment and appeared in orange jail attire at a status conference on April 23.
Background & Context: Alleged Abuse and Disappearance
Celeste Rivas Hernandez, a Lake Elsinore resident, was listed as missing in April 2024. Prosecutors allege Burke began a sexual relationship with her when she was 13 and continued it for at least a year. They claim she threatened to expose the relationship, prompting Burke to kill her in April 2025 and dismember her body roughly two weeks later. Her remains were discovered in September 2025 inside a Tesla registered to Burke, with the head and arms in one bag and other fragments in a second bag.
Timeline of Key Developments
- April 2024 – Rivas Hernandez reported missing.
- April 3/23 2025 – Conflicting reports of the teen’s last known contact with Burke.
- April 23 2025 – Prosecutors allege the killing occurred.
- May 5 2025 – Alleged dismemberment date.
- September 2025 – Body found in a Hollywood-Hills Tesla.
- April 16 2026 – Burke arrested.
- April 20 2026 – Not-guilty plea entered.
- April 23 2026 – Status hearing; defense filed a request for early evidence disclosure.
- April 29 2026 – Planned evidence hearing.
- May 1 2026 – Preliminary hearing to assess probable cause.
Data & Statistics
- Prosecutors have amassed roughly 40 terabytes of digital evidence, including 8 terabytes from Burke’s iCloud account and 20-30 terabytes from other seized devices.
- The phone reportedly contains a “significant amount” of child pornography.
- The autopsy recorded a 71-pound body with two penetrating torso wounds (right abdomen damaging the liver; left chest passing between ribs).
- Toxicology indicated presumptive positives for benzodiazepines, methamphetamine, and MDMA.
- Charges carry a maximum penalty of life without parole or the death penalty.
Official Statements & Responses
Deputy District Attorney Beth Silverman said the prosecution possesses “voluminous evidence” and is “ready” for the expedited hearing, noting the sensitivity of child-sex-abuse material. District Attorney Nathan Hochman warned that the case includes special circumstances that could merit the death penalty, though a decision has not yet been made. Defense attorney Blair Berk asserted that the evidence will exonerate Burke and requested an early public disclosure of the secret grand-jury material. LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell emphasized the need for patience, stating his duty is “to deliver justice, not to fuel speculation.” Judge Olmedo confirmed Burke’s right to a preliminary evidentiary hearing within ten days of arraignment and set the May 1 schedule.
Criticism & Opposition
Burke’s defense has challenged the secrecy of three grand juries that heard testimony yet produced no indictment, arguing the lack of transparency hampers a fair trial. The family of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, represented by attorney Patrick Steinfeld, has repeatedly called for “justice for Celeste,” expressing devastation over the autopsy findings and demanding privacy while the case proceeds.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Last-seen date: Sources differ on whether the teen was last seen on April 3 or April 23 2025.
- Weapon identification: The autopsy noted penetrating injuries but recovered no weapon, leaving the exact means of death undetermined.
- Grand-jury outcomes: Prosecutors confirm three grand juries heard evidence, yet no indictment has been filed.
- Link to child-pornography: While a “significant amount” of illicit material was found on Burke’s phone, officials have not clarified any direct connection to the victim.
- Toxicology details: Presumptive drug positives are reported, but their relevance to the cause of death remains unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I cannot turn that type of material over.” — Deputy District Attorney Beth Silverman
- “Let us be clear — the actual evidence in this case will show that David Burke did not murder Celeste Rivas Hernandez and he was not the cause of her death,” — Defense attorney Blair Berk
- “Celeste's family issued a statement through their attorney, saying they are devastated by the findings: "The Rivas Hernandez family is absolutely devastated by the findings contained in the Medical Examiner's Report involving the horrible and gruesome death of their beloved daughter.” — Rivas Hernandez family (via attorney)
- “All we want is justice for Celeste.” — Jesus Rivas and Mercedes Martinez
- “I want to be clear about something -- my duty is not to fuel speculation, it's to deliver justice,” — LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell
What’s Next
An evidence hearing is slated for April 29, followed by the May 1 preliminary hearing that will decide whether the case proceeds to trial. Prosecutors have indicated a later determination on seeking the death penalty, while the defense continues to seek early disclosure of the grand-jury material. The court’s rulings in the coming weeks will shape the trajectory of the murder, abuse, and mutilation charges against Burke.
