D4vd hearing delayed again as singer’s legal team sorts through evidence

When singer D4vd, born David Anthony Burke, appeared in court yesterday for a scheduled appearance, his hearing lasted only 15 minutes. What was meant to be a preliminary hearing turned into a request for more time by the defense, as Burke’s legal team requested more time to review the “significant” amount of evidence the prosecution provided last month. In April, Burke was charged with the murder of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, who was found dismembered and badly decomposed in Burke’s Tesla last fall. Prosecutors have alleged that Hernandez, who was 14 at the time of her death, was killed by Burke, 21, after she threatened to expose their illegal relationship. The day after her killing, Hernandez released his debut album Withered.

In court in April, prosecutors representing Hernandez brought forth a “significant amount of child pornography” found on Burke’s phone, which he handed in upon arrest. Recovered text messages between the two allegedly reference sex, pregnancy, and abortion. On the night of her killing, Burke ordered Hernandez an Uber to his home. Prosecutors allege Burke killed Hernandez via stabbing almost immediately after her arrival. In a nine-page brief detailing their evidence against Burke, prosecutors also mentioned orders online for shovels, two chainsaws, an inflatable kiddie pool and a body bag made under a fake name. Moments before the filing went public, Burke’s defense first attempted to fast-track his preliminary hearing and seal the prosecutors’ brief, but a judge denied the request. 

Burke has maintained his innocence since his April 16 arrest and, according to those in the courtroom, spoke in court only to agree to the new delay. He will return to court on June 17 for another status conference. His evidentiary hearing will now take place on June 29. If convicted, Burke will face either life in prison without parole or, potentially, the death penalty.

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