D4vd (David Burke), 21: , is charged with first-degree murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains. He has pleaded not guilty.\n\n- **Prosecutors allege** Burke met the victim when she was 11, began sexually abusing her at 13, and killed her in April 2025 after she threatened to expose their relationship.\n\n- **The evidence presented** includes DNA found in Burke's garage, records showing he ordered chainsaws and wading pools, and surveillance video linking him to the vehicle where the body was later discovered.\n\n- **Why this matters:** This case highlights the intersection of fame, criminal law, and the vulnerability of minors, raising important questions about accountability and the legal system's handling of high-profile defendants.
The preliminary hearing marks the first public presentation of evidence against Burke since his arrest in April 2025. According to prosecutors, Burke met Celeste Rivas Hernandez when she was just 11 years old. The alleged abuse began when she turned 13 and he was 18, continuing until her death.
Prosecutors claim that on the night of April 23, 2025, Burke sent a car to pick up the victim from her hometown of Lake Elsinore, California — about 80 miles outside Los Angeles. After she arrived at his Hollywood Hills rental home, her phone went silent. Authorities allege Burke stabbed her multiple times, then used chainsaws to dismember her body in his garage. Her decomposing remains were found months later in the trunk of a Tesla registered to Burke, which had been towed from near his residence in September 2025.
D4vd rose to fame as a teenager making music for his Fortnite gaming videos. His breakout single "Romantic Homicide" (2022) amassed over a billion streams across platforms. He performed at Coachella just weeks before prosecutors say the murder occurred, and was actively touring when the body was discovered.
Burke's attorney, Blair Berk, has stated he is not responsible for the teen's death. The defense has not publicly provided its version of events, but the preliminary hearing allows them to probe witness testimony for weaknesses that could be exploited at trial.
This hearing functions similarly to a grand jury proceeding — prosecutors present only the evidence needed to establish probable cause. The judge rejected a request for Burke to appear in a suit, so he will remain in jail attire throughout.
What is a preliminary hearing?\nA: A preliminary hearing is a court proceeding where a judge reviews evidence presented by the prosecution to determine if there is probable cause to send the case to trial. There is no jury involved.\n\nQ: What charges does D4vd face?\nA: He faces first-degree murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains.\n\nQ: Has D4vd entered a plea?\nA: Yes, he has pleaded not guilty to all charges.\n\nQ: When was the victim's body found?**\nA: Her decomposing remains were discovered in September 2025 in a Tesla registered to Burke that had been towed from the Hollywood Hills area.
Stay informed:: High-profile cases like this underscore the importance of following legal proceedings to understand how the justice system handles serious crimes involving celebrities.\n- **Recognize the signs:** This case tragically highlights how vulnerable minors can be exploited by trusted adults. Awareness and early intervention are critical.\n- **Follow the facts:** Preliminary hearings often reveal key evidence before a trial. Observing these proceedings can help the public understand the strength of the case against a defendant.
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