A Los Angeles courtroom will host a pivotal moment in the case against singer-songwriter D4vd this week, as prosecutors seek to present sufficient evidence to proceed with a trial over the murder and alleged sexual abuse of 13-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The preliminary hearing, which began on Tuesday and is expected to conclude on Thursday, follows previous delays due to the extensive volume of investigatory material.
Los Angeles county prosecutors allege that D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, stabbed Hernandez to death at his Los Angeles residence in April 2025. The motive, according to court documents, was to prevent her from disclosing their alleged sexual relationship when his music career was rapidly gaining momentum. Prosecutors claim this illicit relationship began in November 2023, with Burke being 18 and Hernandez just 13 years old.
A harrowing aspect of the case is the alleged dismemberment of Hernandez's body using a chainsaw, which prosecutors say included amputating her ring finger – bearing his name – before disposing of the remains in a Tesla. The discovery of Hernandez's decomposed body was made in September 2025 after the Hollywood tow yard manager reported a strong odour and presence of flies emanating from the vehicle.
Burke, now 21, has been held in custody without bail since his arrest in April 2026, despite pleading not guilty to all charges. His defence team initially stated he "was not the cause" of Hernandez's death. If convicted of murder, Burke faces the possibility of the death penalty or life imprisonment without parole.
Prosecutors intend to present a wealth of evidence, including text messages between Burke and Hernandez allegedly demonstrating their illicit relationship and the girl's threats to expose him. The state also plans to introduce surveillance video showing Burke driving the Tesla in July 2025, along with records of his purchases of a body bag and two chainsaws, and forensic evidence linking blood stains found in his garage to Hernandez's genetic profile.
The case has attracted international attention due to Burke's rapid rise to fame through viral TikTok singles. His debut album, 'Withered', was released in July 2025, and he embarked on an international tour supporting the release. However, this tour was cancelled in September 2025 following the discovery of Hernandez's body. Several of Burke’s former collaborators have since distanced themselves from him. In April 2026, Celeste’s family released a statement expressing their grief and desire for justice, describing her as a "beautiful, strong girl" who loved to sing and dance.