LOS ANGELES — Singer D4vd, legally known as 21-year-old David Anthony Burke, appeared in a Los Angeles courtroom on July 24, 2026, for a preliminary hearing in the murder case of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Prosecutors allege Burke fatally stabbed Celeste inside his Hollywood Hills home in April 2025, dismembered her body, and placed her remains in bags stored in the front trunk of his Tesla, which was later located at a Hollywood tow yard. He has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder with special circumstances, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and mutilation of a body, charges that carry a potential sentence of life in prison or the death penalty if he is convicted of the most serious count. LOS ANGELES — During the hearing, a California Highway Patrol officer testified that he collected evidence from the scene, while prosecutors presented phone records and evidence they say shows the use of fake blood. Graphic photographs of the victim’s dismembered remains were shown in court as part of the prosecution’s case. A private investigator linked to the case was removed from the courtroom after it emerged he could be called as a witness in a possible trial. ABC News legal analyst Brian Buckmire said he expects the case to conclude earlier than originally anticipated, as the judge prepares to decide on the third day of the hearing whether there is probable cause for Burke to stand trial.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.