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D4vd appeared in a downtown Los Angeles courtroom Tuesday, July 21, as prosecutors began presenting evidence they say connects the singer to the killing and dismemberment of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
The preliminary hearing, expected to last several days, will determine whether prosecutors have presented enough evidence for D4vd — whose legal name is David Anthony Burke — to stand trial. Burke has pleaded not guilty, and none of the allegations against him have been proven in court.
LAPD Robbery-Homicide Detective Josh Beyers testified Tuesday about receipts and other evidence involving items prosecutors allege Burke purchased in the months surrounding Rivas Hernandez's death.
According to Beyers' testimony, purchases allegedly made in April 2025 under the names "Travion Davis" and "Victoria Mendez" included a shovel delivered through Postmates, a blue inflatable pool, fireproof floor mats from Amazon and a Makita chainsaw from Home Depot. The chainsaw was never recovered, the detective testified.
Beyers also described a Lowe's mop-cleaning system that allegedly matched one later found inside Burke's garage. Prosecutors said additional purchases made in early May included chainsaws, a body bag and another inflatable pool.
An unopened incinerator described in court as a "burn box" was allegedly discovered hidden behind a piano.
The testimony does not by itself establish what the products were used for. Prosecutors are presenting the purchases as circumstantial evidence supporting their case against Burke.
Detective Describes Phone and Tesla Evidence
Beyers also testified about digital evidence involving a phone identified as "Tranquilizer," which investigators linked to Burke.
The phone was last connected to the Tesla's system on July 29, 2025, according to the detective. Prosecutors said receipts and surveillance footage showed Burke driving the vehicle that day before parking it near his Hollywood Hills residence.
A courtroom observer for FOX 11 reported that Burke showed no visible reaction as evidence and photographs were presented. He was shackled to his chair but allowed to keep his hands free.
Burke is charged with first-degree murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14 and unlawful mutilation of human remains. He has denied the charges.
A preliminary hearing does not determine guilt or innocence. The judge will decide only whether prosecutors have established sufficient probable cause for the case to proceed toward trial.
What Happened to Celeste Rivas Hernandez?
The remains of Rivas Hernandez were discovered in September 2025 inside the trunk of an impounded Tesla registered to Burke, according to authorities.
The discovery prompted an investigation that eventually led to Burke's arrest and brought his music career to a halt.
D4vd rose to prominence in 2022 through the viral songs "Romantic Homicide" and "Here With Me." He subsequently built a large streaming audience and released his debut album, Withered, in April 2025. His touring plans and other releases were later canceled following the discovery of the teenager's remains.
The preliminary hearing is scheduled to continue over the coming days. Once prosecutors and defense attorneys finish presenting evidence, the judge will determine whether Burke must stand trial.
Sources: ABC7 Los Angeles, FOX 11 Los Angeles, People
