David Anthony Burke, known as singer D4vd, appeared in a Los Angeles court on July 21 for a preliminary hearing on charges including murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains [1, 2, 3].

Burke, 21, was present in court wearing an orange prison jumpsuit and showed no emotional reaction as prosecutors presented gruesome photos of the victim's dismembered body [1, 2, 3].

The victim, Celeste Rivas Hernandez, was reported missing by her mother in 2024 at age 13 [1, 3]. In September 2025, her decomposed remains were found in the trunk of Burke's Tesla, abandoned about 400 feet from his Hollywood Hills home [1, 2]. The body was extensively dismembered, with the head and torso in a large black bag and the arms and legs in another bag that showed insect activity including maggots and flies, according to LAPD Detective Joshua Byers. He told the court, "There were maggots. There were flies. I don't know how to describe the other liquid matter" and described the heavy decomposition that made the remains unrecognizable [1, 2].

Prosecutors allege Burke met Celeste when she was 11, started a sexual relationship at 13, and killed her after she threatened to expose him. Burke denied the charges, telling sheriff's deputies, "She told me she was 18. Everybody saying she was 13" [1, 3].

Los Angeles Chief Prosecutor Nathan Hochman said prosecutors believe they have probable cause to hold Burke to answer on all charges. "We believe we will more than accomplish the evidentiary burden of probable cause at this point to hold David to answer on these three felony charges," Hochman said [1, 3].

Celeste's parents attended the District Attorney's Office before the hearing and remained in the gallery during testimony, which is expected to last three to five days. Prosecutors plan to call 10 witnesses, including police officers and coroner officials, to present forensic and investigative evidence [2].

Two of the victim's fingers with identifying tattoos were never recovered, further complicating identification efforts [2].

The preliminary hearing will determine if charges proceed to trial. California's death penalty is under moratorium; if not pursued, Burke faces life without parole [2].

The hearing remains ongoing as of July 22, with more witness testimony and evidence expected in the coming days [3].