Singer-songwriter D4vd is set to appear in a Los Angeles courtroom on Tuesday as prosecutors seek to show there is enough evidence for him to stand trial for the murder and sexual abuse of a minor, Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The preliminary hearing is expected to conclude on Thursday after several delays, in part because of the large amount of investigative evidence in the case.
What do prosecutors allege happened?
Los Angeles county prosecutors accuse the musician, born David Anthony Burke, of stabbing Hernandez to death at his residence last April in an effort to silence her from revealing the sexual nature of their relationship as his career was rising, according to court documents. Prosecutors say the pair began a sexual relationship in November 2023, when Burke was 18 and Hernandez was 13.
According to court documents, Burke allegedly mutilated her dead body, sawing her limbs with a chainsaw and amputating her ring finger, which had a tattoo of his name, before discarding her dismembered limbs in a Tesla.
How was the case discovered?
In September 2025, Los Angeles police found Hernandez’s decomposed remains in a Tesla impounded at a Hollywood tow yard. Prosecutors said the yard’s manager alerted law enforcement after noticing a pungent odor coming from the vehicle and flies near it.
Burke, now 21, was arrested in April and has remained in custody since then without bail. If convicted of murder, he could face the death penalty or life in prison without the possibility of parole.
At the time of his arrest, his defense team said he
“was not the cause”of Hernandez’s death. Burke has pleaded
to all of the charges.
What evidence do prosecutors plan to present?
In an April brief, prosecutors outlined evidence they expect to show the court. That evidence includes text messages between Burke and Hernandez, among them messages that allegedly document their sexual relationship and the girl’s threats to expose him.
The state also said it planned to present surveillance video of Burke last driving the Tesla in July 2025, records of his purchases of a body bag and two chainsaws, and forensic evidence linking blood stains in his garage to Hernandez’s genetic profile.
What has happened to Burke’s career?
Burke rose to popularity through a string of viral TikTok singles. Last July, he launched an international tour in support of his debut album Withered. The tour was canceled in September after Hernandez’s body was found in the car registered to his name. Several of Burke’s former collaborators have since distanced themselves from the singer.
What did Hernandez’s family say?
In April, after Burke’s arrest was announced, Celeste’s family released a statement honoring her memory.
“Celeste was a beautiful, strong girl who loved to sing and dance. Every Friday night was movie night and we spent wonderful times together,”
“We love her very much and she always told us that she loved us. We miss her deeply. All we want is justice for Celeste.”
Key Facts
- D4vd, born David Anthony Burke, is due in a Los Angeles courtroom on Tuesday.
- Prosecutors are seeking to show sufficient evidence for trial on murder and sexual abuse charges involving Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
- The preliminary hearing is expected to end on Thursday after earlier delays tied to investigatory evidence.
- Burke was arrested in April, remains in custody without bail, and has pleaded to all charges.
- Los Angeles police found Hernandez’s remains in a Tesla impounded at a Hollywood tow yard in September 2025.
