Musician David Anthony Burke, known professionally as D4vd, appeared in a Los Angeles courtroom on Tuesday for a preliminary hearing regarding the murder and sexual abuse of 13-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
Prosecutors aim to establish sufficient evidence during the proceeding, which is expected to wrap up on Thursday following delays caused by extensive investigatory material.
Burke, now 21, was arrested in April and remains held without bail. He faces a potential death penalty or life imprisonment without parole if convicted.
Allegations and Evidence
Court documents reveal that Los Angeles county prosecutors accuse Burke of stabbing Hernandez to death at his Los Angeles residence last April.
Authorities state he killed her to prevent the disclosure of their sexual relationship, which allegedly began in November 2023 when Burke was 18.
According to prosecutors, Burke mutilated the victim's body using a chainsaw, amputated a finger bearing a tattoo of his name, and placed the dismembered remains inside a Tesla.
Law enforcement discovered her decomposed remains in September 2025 at a Hollywood tow yard after the yard manager reported a foul odor and flies.
State evidence slated for presentation includes text messages between Burke and Hernandez detailing their relationship and her threats of exposure.
Prosecutors also plan to introduce surveillance footage of Burke driving the Tesla in July 2025, receipts for a body bag and two chainsaws, and DNA evidence matching garage blood stains to Hernandez.
Following his arrest, Burke pleaded not guilty to all charges pressed against him. Defense attorneys representing Burke stated regarding Hernandez's death that it "was not the cause."
The criminal charges derailed Burke's career, leading to the cancellation of his international tour for his debut album Withered in September after the body was identified.
Following the news, multiple former collaborators cut ties with the viral TikTok artist.
Shortly after authorities announced Burke's arrest, the victim's family expressed their grief and desire for legal resolution.
"Celeste was a beautiful, strong girl who loved to sing and dance.
Every Friday night was movie night and we spent wonderful times together," wrote the family of Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
"We love her very much and she always told us that she loved us. We miss her deeply.
All we want is justice for Celeste."
