Preliminary Hearing Begins in Case Against Singer D4vd
On Tuesday, September 24 2025, prosecutors in Los Angeles County presented body‑camera footage during the first day of a preliminary hearing to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed with a trial against David Burke, known professionally as the singer D4vd. The hearing, presided over by Judge Charlaine Olmedo of the Los Angeles District Court, will decide if probable cause exists for charges of murder, persistent sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains.
Background of the Allegations
According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office, Burke was 18 years old when he allegedly began a sexual relationship with Celeste Rivas Hernandez, who was then 13. The relationship is said to have lasted several months before Burke, now 21, allegedly stabbed Hernandez to death 14 months after the affair began. Prosecutors claim that Hernandez threatened to expose the relationship, which they argue would have damaged Burke’s emerging music career.
- Victim: Celeste Rivas Hernandez, age 13 at the time of the alleged abuse.
- Defendant: David Burke (stage name D4vd), age 18 when the relationship purportedly started; now 21.
- Alleged timeline: Relationship began circa mid‑2023; alleged homicide occurred in late‑2024.
- Charges: Murder (Penal Code § 187), persistent sexual abuse of a child under 14 (Penal Code § 288.5), unlawful mutilation of human remains (Penal Code § 209).
Body‑Camera Footage Presented by Prosecutors
The prosecution introduced a clip from a sheriff’s deputy’s body‑worn camera recorded during the initial missing‑person investigation. In the video, Burke tells deputies that he had only met Hernandez “in person once” and that he did not know she was a minor. Prosecutors argue that the statement contradicts other evidence, including text messages and witness testimony, which they say demonstrate an ongoing sexual relationship.
Legal analysts note that body‑camera recordings are increasingly used to establish a defendant’s state of mind at the time of an interview. The admissibility of such footage hinges on relevance and authenticity, both of which the prosecution asserts have been satisfied.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
The preliminary hearing does not involve a jury; Judge Olmedo will evaluate whether the prosecution has met the low threshold of probable cause. If she finds sufficient evidence, the case will be bound over for trial. Burke’s defense attorney entered a not‑guilty plea and maintains that his client did not cause Hernandez’s death, suggesting alternative explanations for the injuries.
Under California law, a finding of probable cause at this stage allows the case to move forward but does not determine guilt or innocence. The hearing is expected to span approximately four days, with both sides presenting witnesses, forensic reports, and documentary evidence.
Courtroom Details and Procedural Rules
Burke has been held without bail at a detention facility near the courthouse since his arrest. During the hearing, he appeared in a jail uniform; the judge ordered that his hands remain uncuffed but that he be secured to his chair with a restraint belt. Consistent with the court’s policy for sensitive proceedings, no cameras or recording devices are permitted inside the courtroom.
Journalists covering the case rely on official statements from the District Attorney’s office, court filings, and pooled reports from accredited news outlets such as the Los Angeles Times and NBC Los Angeles for updates.
Context and Significance
Cases involving allegations of sexual abuse of a minor coupled with homicide draw considerable public and legal scrutiny due to the intersecting issues of child protection, celebrity influence, and procedural safeguards. Legal scholars emphasize that preliminary hearings serve as a critical filter, preventing weak cases from advancing to trial while preserving the defendant’s right to a fair process.
As the hearing continues, the court will weigh the body‑camera evidence, forensic findings, and witness testimonies to determine whether the prosecution has satisfied the probable‑cause standard required to proceed.
