Legal teams for singer David Burke, known as D4vd, and the prosecution announced Tuesday they are ready for a multi-day preliminary hearing on July 21. A judge will determine if Burke will stand trial for the murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose dismembered body was found in the trunk of his Tesla at a Hollywood tow yard, according to court documents and reports.
Why is the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office under scrutiny?
The office faces allegations that at least one employee leaked investigation details to the media while the case was sealed. The leak occurred after the Los Angeles Police Department placed a security hold on the case in November 2025 to ensure detectives received information before the public, according to the LAPD.
Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Odey Ukpo previously pushed back against these security holds, stating the practice is virtually unheard of in other counties and hasn’t been proven to improve legal outcomes. Despite this, Ukpo noted the law precluded transparency while the court order remained in place.
What are the specific charges against D4vd?
David Burke was arrested on April 17, 2026, and formally charged three days later with first-degree murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains. He pleaded not guilty to all charges on April 20, 2026.
Prosecutors allege Burke stabbed Hernandez to death at his Hollywood Hills rental property after she threatened to expose their illegal sexual relationship. They claim he used an alias and services like Amazon and Postmates to order chainsaws, a body bag, an inflatable pool, and a burn cage to dismember the body.
How could the alleged leak affect the trial?
Defense attorney Dmitry Gorin, who is not connected to the case, said the defense could argue that Burke’s constitutional rights were violated because a government arm willfully refused to follow a judge’s orders. However, Gorin stated a dismissal is highly unlikely because it is a murder case.
Union representatives for the employees are maintaining a strict stance on due process. SEIU 721 stated they remain committed to safeguarding victim privacy, while the Los Angeles County Professional Peace Officers’ Association noted that some employees have received notifications from the County regarding the investigation.
What happens next in the legal process?
The proceedings will move to the July 21 preliminary hearing. At this stage, the judge will decide if the prosecution has presented enough evidence to warrant a trial by jury. If the judge finds sufficient evidence, the case will proceed to trial; otherwise, the charges could be reduced or dismissed.
Timeline of Key Events
- Feb 17, 2024: Burke is informed during a welfare check that Rivas-Hernandez is 13.
- April 22, 2025: Alleged argument and threat to expose the relationship.
- April 23, 2025: Date investigators believe the murder occurred.
- May 1–5, 2025: Burke allegedly acquires dismemberment tools using an alias.
- Sept 8, 2025: Remains discovered in a Tesla at a Hollywood tow yard.
- April 17, 2026: Burke is arrested.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the cause of death for Celeste Rivas Hernandez?
The medical examiner’s report ruled the cause of death as homicide caused by multiple penetrating injuries with unspecified objects, specifically noting sharp force injuries to the torso with smooth edges.
What is D4vd’s response to the allegations?
Burke and his legal team have denied all allegations, stating in a previous release that evidence will show he did not murder Rivas-Hernandez and was not the cause of her death.
When was the victim’s body found?
Remains were discovered inside a Tesla at a Hollywood tow yard on September 8, 2025.
Do you believe leaked government reports should impact the outcome of a criminal trial?