Rising singer David Burke, known professionally as D4vd, appeared in a Los Angeles courtroom Tuesday for the preliminary hearing in his case, where he faces charges of murder, child sex abuse, and unlawful mutilation of human remains. Prosecutors allege Burke murdered 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez and dismembered her body, the remains of which were found decomposing in the trunk of his abandoned Tesla.
Gruesome Testimony Presented
A Los Angeles homicide detective testified Tuesday about the scene where Hernandez's remains were discovered. According to reports, Detective Joshua Byers described the presence of "maggots" and "flies" in the vehicle. Hernandez's parents were present in the courtroom during the testimony. Burke, who was shackled during the proceedings, reportedly showed no visible reaction. Two of the victim's fingers, which had identifying tattoos, were not recovered.
Prosecutors allege that Burke met Hernandez when she was 11, and the alleged abuse began in November 2023, when she was 13 and he was 18. The relationship reportedly continued, with Burke flying Hernandez to various locations, including Las Vegas, London, and Texas, and introducing her to his family in 2024. However, the relationship ended in November of that year.
According to court filings, text messages presented by prosecutors indicated the victim's jealousy over Burke's other relationships and her subsequent threat to expose damaging information about their relationship to end his career. This alleged threat came just two days before Burke's debut album was released.
Prosecutors claim Burke orchestrated a plan to cover up the murder, including sending texts from Hernandez's phone after her death. The morning after the alleged murder, Burke reportedly sat for a radio interview discussing "losing relationships" and how such experiences could inspire his music. He discussed a song titled "Romantic Homicide" during the interview.
Legal Proceedings
The preliminary hearing is expected to last three to five days, after which a judge will determine if there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial. Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman stated that while some evidence will be presented during the hearing, more will be revealed at trial. Prosecutors expect to call approximately 10 witnesses, including members of the police department and the coroner's office.
Burke faces charges that are death penalty eligible. However, a decision on whether to seek capital punishment has not yet been made. California currently has a moratorium on the death penalty. If the death penalty is not sought, Burke would face a maximum sentence of life without parole if convicted. The preliminary hearing is a step to clear the way for the case to go to trial.