Prosecutors presented a body-camera recording on Tuesday in which singer D4vd informed sheriff’s deputies that he had only met Celeste Rivas Hernandez once and was unaware she was underage. D4vd, also known as David Burke, allegedly engaged in a sexual relationship with the 13-year-old girl, leading to her tragic death by stabbing after she threatened to expose their involvement, as per prosecutors.
During a hearing in Los Angeles County court to determine if there is sufficient evidence to try Burke for murder, continuous sexual abuse of a minor, and unlawful mutilation of human remains, the prosecution displayed photos of Rivas Hernandez’s dismembered body found in Burke’s Tesla. The discovery was made by a detective who located her remains in the vehicle’s trunk at a Hollywood tow yard.
Rivas Hernandez’s parents and a crowd of spectators attended the court session. Deputy Juan Gonzalez testified that Burke cooperated during the investigation into Rivas Hernandez’s disappearance, allowing a search of the residence owned by Interscope Records where he stayed. The friendly interaction between Burke and the deputies was noted during the search.
The preliminary hearing, resembling a truncated trial without a jury, is anticipated to last four days. Judge Charlaine Olmedo will determine if the prosecution has presented sufficient evidence to proceed to trial. Burke, held in custody without bail since his arrest, appeared in court restrained in jail attire.
According to court filings, Burke’s relationship with Rivas Hernandez began when she was 11, leading to her death at 14 when she threatened to expose him. Evidence suggests she was frequently with Burke, including a trip to Texas where she met his family. Prosecutors highlighted text messages and images exchanged between the two.
The prosecution detailed the events leading to Rivas Hernandez’s death, stating that Burke ordered tools to dismember her body and disposed of it near his home. Surveillance footage implicates Burke as the last person to drive the vehicle linked to the crime. The defence has not disclosed its version of events.
Preliminary hearings like this one help prosecutors gauge the strength of their case, with minimal witness testimony. Defence attorneys use these hearings to identify potential weaknesses in the evidence. D4vd’s rise to fame was marked by his music career, with his songs gaining popularity on various platforms, leading to performances at major events before the tragic events involving Rivas Hernandez unfolded.