Los Angeles Judge Begins Multi-Day Preliminary Hearing in Singer D4vd Murder Case

A preliminary hearing in the murder case against singer David Burke, known professionally as D4vd, began Tuesday in Los Angeles. The hearing, expected to run three to seven days, will allow prosecutors to show that there is probable cause to move the case to trial. Burke was arrested in April and has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder, sexual abuse of a child and unlawful mutilation of human remains.

Burke appeared in court wearing an orange jail uniform and shackles; a request by his lawyers to remove the shackles was denied, though his handcuffs were taken off. Prosecutors allege that Burke and the victim, 13-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, entered a sexual relationship when he was 18, and that she threatened to expose the relationship. They claim Burke ordered an Uber that brought her to his Hollywood Hills home on April 23, 2025, the last time she was seen alive.

According to a nine-page briefing filed by the prosecution, Burke allegedly stabbed the teen multiple times, then dismembered her body, ordering two chainsaws online. The brief states that he removed the victim’s left ring and pinky fingers because a tattoo of his name was on her ring finger; the fingers have not been recovered. Prosecutors say her remains were found in two body bags in the trunk of Burke’s Tesla in September 2025.

Burke’s attorney, Blair Berk, requested an early preliminary hearing, asserting that the evidence will demonstrate his innocence. The defense team, including Berk, Marilyn Bednarski and Regina Peter, said they will "vigorously defend David’s innocence" and that the evidence will show Burke did not cause the victim’s death. The defendant remains in custody without bail.

A lawyer for the victim’s family declined to comment further, citing the distress caused by the details of the case.