Judge to examine evidence against singer D4vd in teen’s killing and dismemberment ahead of trial decision

In a highly publicized courtroom session in Los Angeles, singer D4vd, legally known as David Anthony Burke, appeared for a preliminary hearing to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial for the murder and dismemberment of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The case, which began capturing public attention following Burke’s arrest in April, raises serious allegations regarding his relationship with the victim, whom he reportedly met when she was just 11 years old.

As the hearing commenced at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center, Burke entered the courtroom in shackles and an orange jumpsuit, a move interpreted as a necessary precaution by the presiding Judge Charlaine Olmedo. Burke’s legal representation argued for his release from full shackles, but the judge opted for a compromise, allowing only his hands to be unshackled during proceedings.

Prosecutors have presented a harrowing narrative, alleging that Burke invited Rivas to a rental property in the Hollywood Hills, where he is said to have fatally stabbed her multiple times. Following the alleged murder, he reportedly dismembered her body in his garage using tools such as chain saws, an act they claim was intended to cover up his crimes. The prosecution’s case hinges on various pieces of evidence, including text messages exchanged between Burke and Rivas, as well as physical evidence linking him to the grisly acts.

Throughout the four-day preliminary hearing, described as a mini-trial without a jury, witnesses are expected to include senior deputies and detectives who investigated the case. Investigators have recovered DNA evidence and details from surveillance that purportedly place Burke at the scene and near the victim before her disappearance in April 2025.

In an unsettling twist, the court heard that Burke allegedly took measures to conceal the crime by transporting the victim’s remains in his Tesla, which was later found abandoned with Celeste’s body concealed within it. The prosecution plans to provide further details on these findings, arguing that Burke’s actions suggest he was cognizant of the potential consequences of his relationship with Rivas, especially after she allegedly threatened to expose him.

Burke’s music career, characterized by rapid ascension on platforms like TikTok and Spotify, has drawn attention during court proceedings, underscoring the contrast between his professional success and the grave allegations he faces. As witnesses prepare to testify, the eyes of the public remain locked on the courtroom, awaiting the judge’s assessment of whether the evidence is compelling enough to warrant a full trial.

As the preliminary hearings progress, the legal team for Burke continues to explore potential defenses while maintaining that he is not culpable for Rivas’s death. With the proceedings expected to delve deeper into the evidence and testimonies against him, the outcome of this hearing will significantly impact the trajectory