Singer and songwriter D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, is set to face a preliminary hearing in Los Angeles starting Friday. The hearing will determine whether he should stand trial for the murder, sexual abuse, and dismemberment of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Burke, 21, has pleaded not guilty through his attorneys, who assert he did not cause the girl's death.
Key Evidence Against Burke
Prosecutors allege that the decomposing body of Rivas Hernandez was found cut into pieces and stored in two bags inside the trunk of a Tesla SUV registered to Burke. The vehicle was discovered abandoned in the Hollywood Hills near a residence where he had been living. A medical examiner's report indicates the victim died from two penetrating wounds. Additionally, lead prosecutor Beth Silverman stated that child sexual abuse imagery was recovered from Burke's phone and iCloud accounts. The majority of evidence remains sealed, gathered through over 50 search warrants and three investigative grand juries.
Defense Demands Transparency
Burke's legal team, led by defense attorney Blair Berk, has exercised his right to a speedy preliminary hearing, demanding that evidence be disclosed promptly. Berk asserted in court, "We believe the actual evidence will show David Burke did not murder Celeste Rivas Hernandez."
Understanding the Preliminary Hearing
In California, a preliminary hearing functions similarly to a trial, with witnesses called and cross-examined, and evidence presented. However, a judge—not a jury—determines whether there is probable cause for the case to proceed to trial. The standard is lower than the "beyond a reasonable doubt" required for conviction. The hearing is expected to last about five days.
Who Is D4vd?
Burke, raised and homeschooled in Houston, began his music career creating songs for Fortnite YouTube videos. His blend of indie rock, R&B, and lo-fi pop, recorded on his phone, propelled him to fame on TikTok, Instagram, SoundCloud, and Spotify. His 2022 breakthrough "Romantic Homicide" has over a billion streams. In 2023, he released two EPs and opened for SZA on tour. His debut album "Withered" was released last year, just two days after authorities estimate Rivas Hernandez was killed.
Celeste Rivas Hernandez: The Victim
Rivas Hernandez was a 13-year-old seventh grader from Lake Elsinore, California, when she was reported missing in 2024. Her body was discovered a day after she would have turned 15. Prosecutors allege she was sexually abused in a relationship with Burke that lasted at least a year before her death. She was last seen alive on April 23, 2025, when she visited his Hollywood Hills home. Her parents described her as "a beautiful, strong girl who loved to sing and dance."
Key Figures in the Case
- Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo: Presided over the trials of actor Danny Masterson, resulting in a mistrial and later a conviction for rape, with a sentence of 30 years to life.
- Deputy District Attorney Beth Silverman: Known for securing a conviction and death sentence for the "Grim Sleeper" serial killer in 2016.
- Defense Attorney Blair Berk: A prominent lawyer for A-list clients including Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Aniston, and Harvey Weinstein.
