Judge to Determine Probable Cause in Murder Case Involving Singer D4vd

A Los Angeles judge is set to hold a four-day preliminary hearing beginning Tuesday to decide if there is probable cause to proceed to trial against 21-year-old singer David Burke, who performs under the name D4vd. Prosecutors allege Burke brought 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez to his rented Hollywood Hills home, stabbed her multiple times and later used chain saws to dismember her body in his garage. The hearing, overseen by Judge Charlaine Olmedo, will resemble a shortened trial without a jury, and will be the first public presentation of evidence since Burke’s April arrest. Burke has pleaded not guilty to murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains, and his attorney has denied his responsibility for the death.

Prosecutors say they will present evidence that Burke met the victim when she was 11, began sexually abusing her at 13, and killed her after she threatened to expose their relationship. They cite text messages, photos, records of chain-saw purchases, DNA evidence found in Burke’s garage, and surveillance video showing Burke as the last driver of the Tesla in which the victim’s body was later discovered. The defense has not released its version of events, and Burke will appear in jail clothing after a request to wear a suit was denied.

The preliminary hearing functions similarly to a grand-jury proceeding, with prosecutors presenting only the evidence they deem necessary and limited witness testimony, primarily from police and investigators. The outcome will determine whether the case moves forward to a full trial.