A Los Angeles judge is set to hear evidence this week to determine whether prosecutors have presented enough evidence to send singer D4vd to trial on charges that he killed and dismembered a 14-year-old girl.
The preliminary hearing, which began Tuesday and is expected to last about four days, will serve as an abbreviated trial without a jury. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo will decide whether prosecutors have established probable cause for the case to proceed to trial.
D4vd, whose legal name is David Burke, has pleaded not guilty to charges including murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains. His attorney, Blair Berk, has maintained that Burke was not responsible for the death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
According to prosecutors, Burke, 21, met Rivas Hernandez when she was 11 years old and later began a sexual relationship with her. Authorities allege he killed the girl after she threatened to expose the relationship, which prosecutors contend could have damaged his rising music career.
Prosecutors allege Burke brought Rivas Hernandez to the Hollywood Hills home he was renting in April 2025, stabbed her multiple times, then dismembered her body in the garage using chain saws. Investigators say her remains were discovered months later inside a Tesla registered to Burke after the vehicle was towed and workers reported the smell of decomposition.
The hearing marks the first public presentation of evidence in the case. Prosecutors are expected to rely on digital communications, surveillance footage, DNA evidence, and records of online purchases they allege were connected to the killing and disposal of the victim’s remains.
Burke has remained in custody without bail since his arrest in April. The judge previously denied a defense request to allow him to wear civilian clothing during the hearing, and cameras will not be permitted in the courtroom.
A finding of probable cause would not determine Burke’s guilt but would allow the criminal case to move forward to trial.
