Prosecutors presented a body-camera video during a hearing in Los Angeles County court, where singer D4vd, also known as David Burke, denied knowledge of then-13-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s age. Despite claiming she told him she was 18, prosecutors allege D4vd had a sexual relationship with her and later murdered her to prevent exposure. The video, shown on the first day of the hearing, was accompanied by photos of Rivas Hernandez’s dismembered body found in a car registered to Burke.
Witnesses testified to Burke’s cooperation during the missing person investigation, with no signs of the girl at the house he allowed deputies to search. The court proceedings revealed details of the abusive relationship between D4vd and Rivas Hernandez, with evidence pointing to premeditated murder and mutilation of her remains. The prosecution argued that Burke orchestrated the killing to protect his music career, with records showing disturbing purchases and incriminating surveillance footage.
The preliminary hearing, resembling a trial without a jury, will determine if there is enough evidence to proceed. Burke, held without bail since his arrest, faces charges of murder, sexual abuse of a minor, and unlawful disposal of human remains. The defense has not presented a counter-narrative, while prosecutors build their case around the tragic events leading to Rivas Hernandez’s death.