D4vd Faces 3-Day LA Hearing Over Teen's Murder and Sexual Abuse
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jul 21
D4vd Faces 3-Day LA Hearing Over Teen's Murder and Sexual Abuse
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jul 21
Summary
Los Angeles prosecutors on Tuesday began a preliminary hearing to show D4vd should stand trial over the murder and sexual abuse of 13-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez; the proceeding is expected to run through Thursday.
Court documents say David Anthony Burke, now 21, stabbed Hernandez at his home in April 2025 to stop her exposing their relationship, which prosecutors say began in November 2023 when he was 18 and she was 13.
Prosecutors have previewed text messages, surveillance showing Burke driving the Tesla in July 2025, purchases of a body bag and 2 chainsaws, and blood in his garage linked to Hernandez's DNA.
Hernandez's decomposed remains were found in September 2025 in Burke's impounded Tesla at a Hollywood tow yard after a manager reported odor and flies; Burke was arrested in April and remains jailed without bail.
Burke has pleaded not guilty and his lawyers said he was not the cause of Hernandez's death; a murder conviction could bring the death penalty or life without parole.