Singer D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, maintained a stoic demeanor Tuesday as disturbing images of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez's dismembered remains were displayed during his preliminary hearing. Burke, 21, has pleaded not guilty to charges including first-degree murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains.
Prosecutors allege that Burke, who was 18 at the time of the killing, pursued a relationship with Hernandez, knowing she was underage. They claim he stabbed her to death after she threatened to expose their relationship and derail his burgeoning music career ahead of his first album release.
Graphic images presented in court depicted Hernandez's head and torso within a body bag, and her severed limbs in a separate garbage bag found in the front trunk of Burke's Tesla. The exhibit of her remains, which were decomposed to the point of being unrecognizable, caused visible distress to Hernandez's family members present in the courtroom. Assistant District Attorney Beth Silverman was observed checking on the victim's parents during the proceedings.
Burke's defense attorneys contend that he did not cause Hernandez's death. However, her remains were discovered in the trunk of his vehicle. Prosecutors presented evidence, including text messages and photos exchanged between Burke and Hernandez, suggesting a sexual relationship. A preliminary trial brief filed in April outlined the prosecution's timeline, alleging Burke arranged for Hernandez to be transported to his Hollywood home on April 23, 2025. Her phone reportedly went dead shortly after her arrival.
Evidence presented indicated that Burke ordered chainsaws, which prosecutors suggest were used to dismember her body in his garage, where DNA evidence was found. He also allegedly used an alias to order a body bag on Amazon, using his own payment and shipping information. Blue fragments found on the body, according to prosecutors, are from an inflatable pool used to contain the victim's blood.
Detective Joshua Byers testified that he discovered insects, maggots, and flies around the body bag and a garbage bag at an impound lot on September 8. Hernandez had been reported missing multiple times in the years leading up to her death. Her father, Jesus Rivas, contacted police expressing his fear that the remains belonged to his daughter, leading to identification through dental records.
Authorities had already identified Burke as a suspect due to the Tesla being registered to him. Investigators determined Burke first met Hernandez in January 2021, when she was 11, and that a sexual relationship allegedly began in November 2023, when she was 13 and he was 18. Burke initially denied to authorities knowing Hernandez was a minor, claiming he believed she was 18 as she had told him.
Body-worn camera footage showed Burke being cooperative with deputies in February 2024, allowing them to search his home. He shared Hernandez's phone number and provided photos, including a yearbook picture and a missing person's flyer. Prosecutors also allege that Burke continued to pursue Hernandez, even paying another student to get her a phone. Text exchanges presented in court referenced sex, pregnancy, abortion, and the use of emergency contraception.
Prosecutors claim the couple broke up multiple times, with Hernandez allegedly threatening to disclose damaging information about their relationship in April 2024, after a final breakup. Burke's career, including an upcoming album and substantial financial prospects, was allegedly at stake. He reportedly sent an Uber to pick up Hernandez on April 23, 2025, and she was dropped off at his Hollywood Hills residence.
The preliminary hearing is expected to last up to five days, with the prosecution anticipating calling approximately 10 witnesses, primarily law enforcement and medical examiners. The District Attorney's office has not yet determined whether to pursue the death penalty.