David Burke faces first-degree murder charges as preliminary hearing begins in the case of Celeste Rivas Hernandez

David Burke, the 21-year-old singer known as D4vd, appeared in a Los Angeles courtroom Tuesday for a preliminary hearing regarding the murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Prosecutors are seeking to establish probable cause to move toward a trial, alleging that Burke killed and dismembered the teenager to prevent her from exposing their sexual relationship. The prosecution presented evidence including graphic photographs of Hernandez’s decomposing remains, which were discovered in the trunk of Burke’s Tesla in September 2025. Prosecutors allege that Burke and Hernandez began a relationship in 2023, and that Hernandez threatened to ruin his career if he did not remain exclusive to her. Burke has pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree murder, sexual abuse of a child, and unlawful mutilation of human remains. His defense team maintains that Burke was not the cause of Hernandez's death. The hearing, which is expected to last several days, will feature testimony from police detectives and members of Burke's inner circle.

Sources