D4vd's Preliminary Hearing
Judge begins hearing evidence against singer D4vd in alleged teen murder case
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A Los Angeles judge is set to begin a four-day preliminary hearing Tuesday in the case against singer D4vd — real name David Burke, age 21 — accused of killing and dismembering 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, according to AP via Yahoo News. The hearing will determine whether enough evidence exists to send Burke to trial on charges of murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains.
Burke has pleaded not guilty to all charges. This week marks the first time evidence against him will be presented in open court, The Hour reported. The defense has not publicly offered an alternative account of events.
What Prosecutors Allege Burke Did to Rivas Hernandez
Prosecutors allege Burke brought Rivas Hernandez's body to his home, stabbed her multiple times, then dismembered her body in his garage, according to News4Jax. The charges are severe: first-degree murder, ongoing sexual abuse of a minor, and the unlawful mutilation of human remains.
Authorities allege Rivas Hernandez had threatened to expose her relationship with Burke before her death, according to Your Valley. That alleged motive is expected to be a central piece of the prosecution's case during the preliminary hearing.
Four-Day Hearing Will Decide if Burke Stands Trial
The preliminary hearing is expected to last four days, according to WRAL. A preliminary hearing is not a trial. Instead, a judge reviews evidence and decides if there is probable cause — enough reason to believe the accused committed the crime — to proceed to a full trial.
This is the first public presentation of evidence in the case, Beaumont Enterprise noted. Because Burke has pleaded not guilty, his defense team will also have a chance to challenge the prosecution's evidence during the hearing.
Who Is D4vd? A Rising Music Star Now Facing Murder Charges
D4vd rose to fame as a teenage bedroom pop and R&B artist. He recorded music in a Fortnite creative mode lobby to avoid noise complaints, and his breakout single 'Romantic Homicide' went viral on TikTok in 2022. He was signed to a major label and seen as one of pop music's rising young voices.
Burke was 21 at the time of his arrest. The victim, Celeste Rivas Hernandez, was just 14 years old. The case drew widespread attention both because of Burke's public profile and the disturbing nature of the alleged crime, according to Daily Gazette.
Defense Stays Silent as First Evidence Goes Public
Burke's defense team has not publicly shared their version of events, according to WPXI. Legal experts note that defense attorneys often stay quiet before a preliminary hearing to avoid tipping their strategy to prosecutors.
If the judge finds sufficient evidence after the four-day hearing, Burke will be formally ordered to stand trial. If not, the charges could be reduced or dismissed entirely. The outcome of this week's hearing will set the course for the entire case, Newsday reported.
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