Full Breakdown
D4vd’s Preliminary Hearing Begins in Los Angeles
7/22/2026, 2:38:32 AM
Core Event: Preliminary Hearing Commences
On April 20, 2026, the Los Angeles County courtroom saw 21-year-old singer David Anthony Burke—known professionally as D4vd—appear for a days-long preliminary hearing. Prosecutors are presenting evidence on three felony counts: first-degree murder, sexual abuse of a child, and unlawful mutilation of human remains. The hearing is slated to run for three to seven days, after which a judge will decide whether probable cause exists to move the case to trial.
Background & Context
The charges stem from the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose dismembered remains were discovered in the front trunk of Burke’s Tesla at a Hollywood tow yard in September 2025. Medical-examiner records confirm the identification of the remains. Prosecutors allege that Burke and Hernandez began a sexual relationship in 2023 when he was 18 and she was 13, and that she later threatened to expose the relationship.
According to a nine-page court filing, prosecutors claim an Uber was scheduled for April 23, 2025 to transport Hernandez to Burke’s rented Hollywood Hills home. The filing alleges that after an argument that night, Burke stabbed the teen twice, later dismembering her body with chainsaws and using an inflatable pool to contain blood. Items such as chainsaws, body bags, heavy-duty laundry bags, and a “burn cage” were reportedly ordered to facilitate the alleged cover-up.
Data & Statistics
- Charges: First-degree murder, sexual abuse of a child, unlawful mutilation of human remains.
- Defendant’s age: 21.
- Victim’s age: 14.
- Body discovery: September 2025, in two body bags inside the Tesla’s trunk.
- Prosecutorial evidence plan: Over 10 witnesses, including LAPD detectives and the medical examiner, are expected to testify.
- Defense stance: Attorneys Blair Berk, Marilyn Bednarski, and Regina Peter have requested an early hearing, asserting that the evidence will exonerate Burke.
Official Statements & Responses
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said his office intends to meet the evidentiary burden of probable cause on the three felony charges. Defense counsel Blair Berk argued that the forthcoming evidence will demonstrate Burke’s innocence and requested the hearing be held promptly. A family attorney for the Hernandez family declined further comment, citing the “indescribable pain” caused by the emerging details.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We believe we will more than accomplish the evidentiary burden of probable cause at this point to hold D4vd to answer on these three felony charges,” — Nathan Hochman, county district attorney
- “The defense thought the D.A. wasn’t ready, but I think Silverman is ready,” — Neama Rahmani
- “Also, the home that D4vd rented in the Hollywood Hills apparently has cameras,” — 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
What’s Next
The preliminary hearing will continue over the next several days. At its conclusion, the presiding judge will determine whether the prosecution has established sufficient probable cause to proceed to trial. If the judge finds cause, the case will move forward; otherwise, the charges could be dismissed.
