Full Breakdown
Singer D4vd’s Preliminary Hearing: Murder, Abuse, and Dismemberment Allegations
7/21/2026, 11:32:40 AM
Core Event: Preliminary Hearing Details
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo will conduct a preliminary hearing beginning Tuesday that will determine whether there is probable cause to move 21-year-old singer David Burke—known professionally as “D4vd”—to trial for the killing and dismemberment of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Prosecutors will present surveillance video, text-message excerpts, and forensic evidence linking Burke to the crime; the hearing is expected to last three to seven days and will not involve a jury. Burke has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains and remains in custody without bail.
Background & Context
Burke and Rivas Hernandez allegedly met on social media when she was 11 and began a sexual relationship that continued after she turned 13. Prosecutors say the relationship turned “illegal” and that Rivas Hernandez threatened to expose it, prompting Burke to order an Uber that brought her to his Hollywood Hills rental on April 23, 2025. The teen’s body was later discovered in the front trunk of Burke’s black Tesla, towed from a Hollywood-area tow yard in September 2025.
Timeline of Key Developments
- April 16, 2025 – Burke arrested by LAPD Robbery Homicide Division detectives.
- April 23, 2025 – Rivas Hernandez arrives at Burke’s home; her phone activity ceases.
- April 22, 2025 – Reported argument between Burke and Rivas Hernandez.
- September 8, 2025 – Decomposing remains found in two bags in the Tesla’s trunk.
- December 2025 – Autopsy report confirming multiple stab wounds released.
- April 29, 2026 – Defense files motion to remove handcuffs for the upcoming hearing.
- Early May 2026 – Preliminary hearing commences; prosecutors plan to call LAPD detectives as primary witnesses.
Data & Statistics
- Age of victim: 14 years.
- Charges: First-degree murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, unlawful mutilation of human remains.
- Items allegedly purchased: Two chainsaws, a body bag, heavy-duty laundry bags, a blue inflatable pool.
- Vehicle: Black Tesla registered to Burke, impounded September 2025.
Official Statements & Responses
Deputy District Attorney Beth Silverman told the court she will present evidence of sexual text messages, photographs deemed child sexual-abuse material, and purchase records for the dismemberment equipment. Defense attorney Blair Berke argued that Burke has never attempted to flee, has been “uneventful” in prior appearances, and requested that handcuffs be removed, citing precedent that restraints are unnecessary absent a specific safety concern. Judge Olmedo has not yet ruled on the motion.
Criticism & Opposition
Berke’s motion reflects the defense’s view that the restraints are excessive and that the prosecution’s case may rely on “uncooperative witnesses” and sealed documents. The defense maintains Burke is not responsible for the teen’s death and challenges the narrative that the relationship was coercive.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on why it took “seven more months to arrest Burke” after the body was found, citing uncooperative witnesses and a delayed autopsy release. The prosecution brief states the murder occurred on April 23, 2025, while some reports describe the body’s discovery as “about four months after her death,” creating a minor timeline discrepancy.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The burden of proof at a preliminary hearing is low. It's just probable cause,” — Neama Rahmani, former federal prosecutor
- “I expect several law enforcement witnesses, primarily LAPD detectives, who are going to summarize the evidence in this case,” — Neama Rahmani
- “I think this is a very strong case for the prosecution, and one that will be very difficult for the defense to overcome,” — Neama Rahmani
- “Knowing he had to silence the victim before she ruined his music career as she had threatened, very soon after her arrival at his home, defendant stabbed the victim to death multiple times and stood by while she bled out,” — prosecution brief
Why It Matters
The case intertwines celebrity culture with severe criminal allegations, raising questions about the exploitation of minors, the handling of digital evidence, and the legal standards for prosecuting high-profile defendants. A conviction could set precedent for how courts treat alleged sexual relationships between adult entertainers and underage fans.
What’s Next
Judge Olmedo will issue a ruling on the handcuff motion and, after the multi-day hearing, decide whether probable cause exists to advance the case to a full jury trial. If the judge finds sufficient evidence, the matter will proceed toward a trial that could attract national media attention.
