Preliminary hearing set for singer D4vd in killing of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez

LOS ANGELES () — The preliminary hearing for singer D4vd, who is facing several charges in the death of a teenage girl, is set to take place over the course of several days this week.

During the hearing, which starts Tuesday and is expected to last three to seven days, prosecutors will present their evidence and testimony. A judge will then decide if there’s enough to proceed to trial.

The singer, whose real name is David Burke, is accused of murdering Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose body was found decomposing in the front of his Tesla in a Hollywood tow yard last year.

Prosecutors allege Burke and Rivas Hernandez had been having a sexual relationship for years after meeting on social media, and that she was threatening to expose their illegal relationship and ruin his career if he would not be exclusive to her. Just as tickets for his tour were set to go on sale it is alleged that Burke ordered an Uber that brought Rivas Hernandez to his Hollywood Hills home on April 23, 2025. That was the last time she was seen alive.

According to court documents, prosecutors’ evidence includes surveillance video that they say shows D4vd was the last person to drive his Tesla.

Court documents also reference text messages between D4vd and Celeste that “contain references to sex, pregnancy, abortion, and use of the Plan B emergency contraceptive.”

Prosecutors say that in the days after the alleged murder, D4vd ordered two chainsaws, a body bag, heavy-duty laundry bags and a blue inflatable pool that investigators say was used to contain Celeste’s blood as she was dismembered.

Burke has pleaded not guilty to charges that include first-degree murder, sexual abuse of a child and unlawful mutilation of human remains.

Prosecutors have not yet decided if they will seek the death penalty.

“The burden of proof at a preliminary hearing is low. It’s just probable cause,” former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani said.

Rahmani said he expects prosecutors to call several witnesses during the hearing.

“I expect several law enforcement witnesses, primarily LAPD detectives, who are going to summarize the evidence in this case,” Rahmani said.

Asked about the strength of the prosecution’s case, Rahmani said the evidence already made public appears compelling.

“I think this is a very strong case for the prosecution, and one that will be very difficult for the defense to overcome,” Rahmani said.

Alex Stone and News contributed to this report.