Prosecutor investigates knowledge of singer D4vd’s relationship with teen girl prior to her murder.
D4vd Preliminary Hearing Reveals Gruesome Details Surrounding Murder Charges
LOS ANGELES — In a preliminary hearing held at a Los Angeles courthouse, critical testimony was presented regarding the case against indie-pop artist D4vd, whose legal name is David Burke. He faces serious charges, including murder, continuous sexual abuse of a minor, and mutilation of a body in connection with the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The proceedings shed light on the disturbing circumstances surrounding the case, as well as the financial motivations that may have been at play.
On the second day of the hearing, Benjamin Gregor, a financial manager for Burke, testified that he had only heard the first name of Rivas Hernandez prior to her dismembered body being discovered in the trunk of Burke’s car. His comments came during a time when the prosecution, led by Deputy District Attorney Beth Silverman, sought to establish connections between Burke’s financial status and the alleged crime. Gregor stated that he learned the name “Celeste” from Burke’s manager, Rob Morgenroth. The prosecution questioned whether Morgenroth had confirmed that Celeste was Burke’s girlfriend, although objections from the defense interrupted further inquiry.
Burke, who has entered a plea of not guilty, is accused by prosecutors of fatally stabbing Rivas Hernandez to prevent her from disclosing their relationship. Reports indicate that Burke became involved with Rivas Hernandez when she was 11, and a sexual relationship began when she was 13. Prosecutors have alleged that Rivas Hernandez grew jealous of Burke’s interactions with other women and threatened to reveal their relationship, prompting a violent reaction from him.
The preliminary hearing’s focus shifted to grim details surrounding the aftermath of Rivas Hernandez’s death. Los Angeles police detective Joshua Byers testified that Burke had purchased a chain saw, body bag, inflatable pool, and shovel online, items later discovered in his garage. Prosecutors allege that he dismembered her body and concealed it in the front trunk of his Tesla, where it remained undetected for approximately four and a half months until the car was towed. Detective Byers recounted the harrowing moment when a body bag matching the one Burke ordered was opened, revealing the remains of Rivas Hernandez.
Burke has been held without bail since his arrest, and the courtroom depicted a scene of emotional tension as Rivas Hernandez’s parents attended the hearing. The couple is not expected to testify but has remained present throughout the proceedings.
In addition to the charges against him, Burke’s financial background was explored, revealing that he earned over million from his music career between 2023 and 2025. Under the stage name D4vd, he garnered immense popularity through platforms like TikTok, and Spotify, with his music blending styles of indie rock, R&B, and lo-fi pop. Notably, his 2022 hit “Romantic Homicide” has garnered over a billion plays. At the time of Rivas Hernandez’s death, Burke was promoting a full album that followed his 2023 tour supporting SZA.
As the preliminary hearing continues, the court will ultimately decide whether sufficient evidence exists to proceed to a full trial, with all eyes on this high-profile case that raises questions of celebrity, accountability, and the fragility of young lives intertwined with fame.
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