Preliminary Evidentiary Hearing Reveals Evidence in D4vd Murder Case
A hearing is scheduled for May 1 to present evidence in the murder case against singer D4vd, who is accused of killing and dismembering a 14-year-old California girl. The alt-pop performer, whose legal name is David Burke, appeared in court wearing orange jail clothes alongside his attorneys. The prosecution has extensive evidence, including child sex abuse images from Burke's phone, which will be shared during the preliminary evidentiary hearing to determine if there is probable cause for a trial. The prosecution is prepared to work on a tight timeline for the hearing, which comes exactly one year after the death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
Burke, who pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder, lewd and lascivious acts with a person under 14, and mutilating a dead body, is exercising his right to have the preliminary evidence hearing within 10 court days of his arraignment. The body of Rivas Hernandez was found dismembered in two bags in a Tesla registered to Burke. The autopsy report revealed she died from two penetrating wounds to her upper body, but investigators did not determine how she sustained the wounds. Prosecutors allege Burke sexually abused Rivas Hernandez, killed her after she threatened to report the relationship, and dismembered her body.
The evidence against Burke includes data from his phone and iCloud accounts, items seized from search warrants, and forensic material. Witness testimony given to three grand juries is also part of the evidence. The singer's defense attorney emphasized the importance of revealing the evidence gathered in the case. Rivas Hernandez's parents made a public statement, describing their daughter as a talented and vibrant girl who loved singing and dancing, and expressed their desire for justice.
D4vd, known for his indie rock, R&B, and lo-fi pop music, gained popularity with his hit song "Romantic Homicide" on TikTok in 2022. He released several albums and EPs, including "Petals to Thorns," "The Lost Petals," and "Withered." The case has garnered significant attention due to the nature of the allegations against the singer. The upcoming hearing will shed light on the evidence presented by the prosecution, marking a crucial step in the legal proceedings.