LOS ANGELES (TCN) —Â Prosecutors and the attorneys for singer David Burke, also known as D4vd, have agreed to move forward with a preliminary hearing July 21. Burke is charged with murder in connection with the death and dismemberment of Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
In September 2025, the decomposed and dismembered remains of Rivas Hernandez, 14, were found inside a Tesla that had been abandoned in a Los Angeles neighborhood and taken to an impound lot. The vehicle was registered to Burke, who was on an international tour at the time to promote his latest album. He was arrested on April 16 following a lengthy investigation.
Burke was charged with murder, sexual abuse of a child under the age 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains on April 20. He pleaded not guilty to the charges.
NBC Los Angeles reports Burke appeared in court for a status hearing, and both his team and prosecutors came to an agreement that a preliminary hearing — in which the judge will determine if there is enough evidence for Burke to go to trial — can take place later in July. According to the outlet, the hearing is scheduled to start on July 21 and will take approximately five days.
KTTV reports that the July 7 hearing was previously postponed to allow Burke’s team more time to review evidence.
If convicted as charged, Burke could face either life in prison or be sentenced to death, per NBC Los Angeles.
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