Singer D4vd's Preliminary Hearing Scheduled for Murder Case
The preliminary hearing for singer David Burke, known as D4vd, begins Tuesday and may last up to a week as prosecutors present evidence in the death of teen Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
Los Angeles prosecutors will hold a preliminary hearing for singer David Burke, who performs under the name D4vd, beginning Tuesday. The hearing, expected to run three to seven days, will allow the district attorney’s office to present evidence and testimony, after which a judge will decide whether the case proceeds to trial.
Burke is charged with first-degree murder, sexual abuse of a child and unlawful mutilation of human remains in connection with the death of 17-year-old Celesta Rivas Hernandez, whose body was discovered in front of his Tesla at a Hollywood tow yard last year. Court filings allege the two had a long-term sexual relationship that began on social media and that the victim threatened to expose the affair.
Prosecutors say surveillance video shows Burke as the last driver of the Tesla and that text messages between the parties reference sex, pregnancy, abortion and emergency contraception. They also cite orders for chainsaws, a body bag, heavy-duty laundry bags and a blue inflatable pool, which investigators say were used to contain blood after the victim was allegedly dismembered.
Burke has entered a not-guilty plea. Prosecutors have not indicated whether they will seek the death penalty.
Former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani, commenting on the hearing, noted that the burden of proof at this stage is low, requiring only probable cause. > "I expect several law enforcement witnesses, primarily LAPD detectives, who are going to summarize the evidence in this case," Rahmani said. > "I think this is a very strong case for the prosecution, and one that will be very difficult for the defense to overcome," he added.