HOLLYWOOD HILLS—On Tuesday, July 7, it has been announced that singer and songwriter D4vd is set to start his preliminary hearing on July 21 as decided by a judge in Downtown Los Angeles.
David Anthony Burke, also known as D4vd, was charged on April 20, 2026, with one count of first-degree murder, unlawful mutilation of human remains and continuous sexual abuse of a child under the age of 14.
Burke is accused of murdering Celeste Rivas Hernandez, a 14-year-old girl at a home in Hollywood Hills. Hernandez’s body was found mutilated in the front trunk of a Tesla Model X registered in Burke’s name on September 8, 2025.
Burke allegedly murdered her after she threatened to expose his criminal conduct and devastate his music career the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced. Celeste’s body was found was cut up and discovered months later in the abandoned Tesla.
The legal team of the musician is confident that the evidence they have will show that Burke did not murder Hernandez. All the evidence from Burke’s legal team and prosecutors will be looked over during the preliminary hearing which is a three-to-five-day process.
Deputy District Beth Silverman who is part of the Major Crimes Division will be the prosecutor for the case. The defendant could be facing life without parole or the death penalty if convicted as charged.
