Overview
- Los Angeles Superior Court began a multi‑day preliminary hearing for David Anthony Burke, known as D4vd, to determine whether prosecutors have enough evidence to proceed to a full criminal trial.
- Burke has pleaded not guilty to first‑degree murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains and remains jailed without bail.
- Prosecutors allege a years‑long sexual relationship that began when the victim was 13 and say Burke killed her after she threatened to expose him, with prosecutors identifying April 23, 2025 as the likely date of the killing and September 8, 2025 as the date her remains were found in Burke’s Tesla.
- The district attorney says it will present text messages, photos, surveillance video, phone and rideshare records, DNA and evidence of purchases such as chainsaws and a body bag that prosecutors say tie Burke to the killing, dismemberment and concealment.
- Courtroom rulings limited some defense requests with Burke ordered to appear in jail clothing, judges barring cameras during evidence, the defense seeking removal of restraints, the DA not yet announcing whether it will seek the death penalty, and county personnel probing alleged medical examiner file leaks.