Singer D4vd faces preliminary hearing in teen murder case

David Anthony Burke, known professionally as D4vd, appeared in an orange jail jumpsuit for the first day of a preliminary hearing in Los Angeles County Superior Court. Prosecutors allege that Burke fatally stabbed 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez in April 2025 after she threatened to expose their alleged sexual relationship, then attempted to conceal and dispose of her body, which was later found in his Tesla.

During the hearing, prosecutors presented graphic photographs of the remains recovered from the vehicle and body-camera footage of Burke speaking with investigators after the teenager was reported missing. The hearing, delayed several times, is expected to last about four days, after which a judge will determine whether the case proceeds to trial.

Burke has pleaded not guilty to charges that include first-degree murder, lewd and lascivious sexual acts with a minor and mutilation of a human body. His attorneys contend that evidence will show he did not cause the victim’s death.

According to court filings, prosecutors say Burke used a pseudonym to purchase equipment such as chainsaws and a body bag, and that blood found in his garage matched the victim’s DNA. They also allege a sexual relationship began when the girl was 11, escalating to explicit communications when she was 13.

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy Juan Gonzalez testified that Burke cooperated with the search of his Hollywood Hills home, which yielded no evidence of the victim’s presence. Burke told investigators he had met the teenager only once and believed she was an adult.

The case could carry a maximum penalty of death or life imprisonment without parole, though prosecutors have not indicated whether they will seek the death penalty. Burke remains held without bail at Twin Towers Correctional Facility.