Overview
- The multi-day probable‑cause hearing was postponed to July 21 and a status conference is set for July 7 after a judge reviewed a sealed defense filing.
- David Anthony Burke, known as D4vd, is charged with first‑degree murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains with special‑circumstance allegations that could raise his exposure to life without parole or the death penalty.
- Prosecutors say Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s dismembered remains were found Sept. 8, 2025 in the front trunk of a Tesla registered to Burke and the Los Angeles County medical examiner ruled her death a homicide from penetrating (sharp‑force) injuries.
- Court filings allege a sexual relationship began while the victim was a minor, that Burke killed her after she threatened to expose the relationship and then bought tools and supplies to dismember and conceal the body; Burke has pleaded not guilty and remains jailed without bail.
- Prosecutors have produced massive electronic discovery reported in tens of terabytes and defense filings under seal have led to repeated continuances as the court prepares for a multi‑day hearing to decide whether the case should go to trial.