During a court hearing in Los Angeles County, prosecutors presented a body-camera video featuring singer D4vd discussing a missing person’s case involving 13-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. D4vd, also known as David Burke, claimed he was unaware of her age and thought she was 18, despite allegations that he had engaged in a sexual relationship with her for months. Prosecutors further accused Burke of fatally stabbing Rivas Hernandez after she threatened to expose their relationship.
The court session, aiming to determine if there is adequate evidence to proceed to trial, showcased photos of Rivas Hernandez’s dismembered remains found in Burke’s Tesla. The discovery was made by a detective in a Hollywood tow yard. Testimonies revealed the gruesome details of the body’s condition, with missing fingers and decomposition.
Rivas Hernandez’s parents and a crowd of spectators attended the hearing, where Deputy Juan Gonzalez testified about Burke’s cooperation during the initial investigation at a residence owned by Interscope Records. The atmosphere was described as amicable, with deputies showing interest in Burke’s music career.
The ongoing preliminary hearing, resembling a condensed trial without a jury, will determine if there is sufficient evidence for the case to proceed. Burke, currently in custody without bail, appeared in court wearing jail attire, with restrictions on his movements.
Prosecutors alleged that Burke met Rivas Hernandez at a young age, engaged in sexual abuse when she was 13, and resorted to violence when she threatened to report him. The prosecution presented evidence of their prolonged interactions, including a trip to Texas and exchanged text messages. Burke was accused of orchestrating Rivas Hernandez’s visit to his home, where he allegedly murdered her and dismembered her body.
Chainsaw purchases and DNA evidence linking Burke to the crime scene were highlighted by prosecutors. Surveillance footage implicating Burke as the last person to drive the vehicle where the body was found was also disclosed. The reasons for the delay in Burke’s arrest were partially attributed to uncooperative witnesses and pending autopsy reports.
The defense has not disclosed their version of events. Preliminary hearings offer insight into the prosecution’s case and allow defense attorneys to scrutinize witness testimony for potential weaknesses. Burke’s rise in the music industry, from creating YouTube videos to performing at prominent events, was contrasted with the disturbing allegations surrounding Rivas Hernandez’s tragic fate.