Singer d4vd‘s criminal case is entering a pivotal new phase as prosecutors prepare to publicly present key evidence in the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The 21-year-old artist, whose legal name is David Burke, has pleaded not guilty, and a judge will decide whether prosecutors have presented enough evidence for the case to proceed to trial.
A preliminary hearing is set to examine newly presented evidence in the homicide case involving d4vd
According to the Los Angeles Times, the hearing is expected to last about four days and will include testimony from investigators as prosecutors present evidence that has remained largely under seal. The publication stated that Hernandez’s remains were discovered inside the trunk of a Tesla registered to Burke after the vehicle was towed to a Hollywood lot in September 2025.
Prosecutors allege Burke met Hernandez when she was 11 and that the two remained in contact for years. Court filings cited by the outlet claim Hernandez threatened to reveal details of their relationship shortly before her death. Prosecutors allege this prompted Burke to kill her at his Hollywood Hills rental home. Authorities also allege he later dismembered her body and attempted to conceal evidence.
The Associated Press stated that prosecutors intend to present records they say show Burke purchased chainsaws and inflatable pools. Prosecutors allege the items were used after Hernandez’s death. They also plan to introduce evidence they claim links the victim’s DNA to bloodstains found in Burke’s garage. In addition, prosecutors allege surveillance footage shows him driving the Tesla before it was abandoned.
According to the AP, prosecutors further allege Burke arranged transportation for Hernandez from her hometown of Lake Elsinore to his home on April 23, 2025. Court filings state the pair exchanged messages until she arrived, after which her phone stopped communicating. Court filings state the pair exchanged messages until she arrived, after which her phone stopped communicating. The defense has publicly denied the allegations, with attorney Blair Berk maintaining that Burke was not responsible for Hernandez’s death.
Legal experts told the Los Angeles Times that Burke’s defense team pushed for an unusually fast preliminary hearing. Former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani suggested the strategy may have been intended to test the prosecution’s evidence early. “The defense thought the D.A. wasn’t ready, but I think Silverman is ready,” Rahmani told the publication. He also said, “From a client control perspective, what D4vd may want is an aggressive attorney who will defend him in the press and push this to trial.”
Judge Charlaine Olmedo will determine whether prosecutors have established probable cause for the case to proceed to a full trial. Burke remains in custody without bail as the proceedings continue.
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