- D4vd (David Burke) has been charged with murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child, and unlawful mutilation of remains in April 2025.
- The preliminary hearing began on Tuesday in Los Angeles, where prosecutors presented their case.
- Prosecutors argued that D4vd had a financial motive for the murder, citing a $7.2 million deal with Interscope.
- Detective Joshua Byers testified that D4vd ordered chainsaws, body bags, and a shovel using an alias but paid with his own credit cards.
- Prosecutors claimed that D4vd used the items to dismember Rivas Hernandez's body after allegedly stabbing her to death.
- Most of the ordered items, including chainsaws and a pool, were found in Burke's garage when a warrant was served.
- A blood stain in the garage matched Rivas Hernandez's DNA, according to prosecutors.
- The body bag ordered by Burke matched the one containing Rivas Hernandez's head and torso found in his car.
Prosecutors allege that David Burke, known as D4vd, murdered 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez to prevent her from revealing their relationship, which threatened his music career.1
During a preliminary hearing, evidence was presented showing Burke ordered a body bag, chainsaws, and an inflatable pool shortly after her death.257
Detective Joshua Byers testified that Burke used the alias Trayvion Davis to purchase these items, which were found in his garage.
A blood stain matching Rivas Hernandez's DNA was also discovered there.8
Burke faces charges of murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains. He is currently held without bond.
Prosecutors claim Burke stabbed Rivas Hernandez multiple times after she threatened to expose their relationship, stating, “Knowing he had to silence the victim before she ruined his music career as she had threatened, very soon after her arrival at his home, defendant stabbed the victim to death multiple times and stood by while she bled out.”
The hearing is expected to last three to five days, with a judge determining if there is enough evidence for the case to proceed to trial.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman expressed confidence in the evidence, stating, “We believe we will more than accomplish the evidentiary burden of probable cause at this point to hold D4vd to answer on these three felony charges.”
Burke reportedly showed no emotion during the hearing as graphic images of Rivas Hernandez's remains were displayed.
“Deputy DA Beth Silverman displayed photos of decomposed remains and a 'Shhh...' tattoo shared by Burke and the victim. The singer faces charges of continuous sexual abuse of a child and remains held without bond as the judge weighs probable cause.”
The Guardian
Global News
