Judge to Hear Evidence Against Singer D4vd in Killing, Dismemberment of Teen and Decide on Trial

An Orange County man has been charged with murdering his mother during a confrontation in her car in front of a police station, according to local media reports. The incident occurred in late April 2025, and the suspect, identified as a local resident, faces charges related to the alleged homicide. Law enforcement officials confirmed that the victim was his mother, and the crime took place in a public area, drawing attention from nearby officers. The case involving the Orange County man emerged alongside another high-profile criminal proceeding concerning musician D4vd, whose legal name is David Burke. Prosecutors are preparing to present evidence at a preliminary hearing scheduled for Tuesday in Los Angeles. This hearing is part of a broader investigation into the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, a teenager who authorities claim was targeted due to her potential to expose a personal relationship. The hearing is expected to span approximately four days and will be presided over by Judge Charlaine Olmedo, who will determine whether sufficient evidence exists to move forward with a trial. According to court filings, Burke, who was arrested in April, is accused of bringing Rivas Hernandez to a residence in the Hollywood Hills, where he allegedly stabbed her multiple times before dismembering her body using chain saws. The documents detail that the two had known each other for several years, with Burke beginning a pattern of sexual abuse when Rivas Hernandez was 13 and he was 18. Prosecutors allege that the abuse continued until she threatened to report him, prompting the alleged murder. Rivas Hernandez was reported missing multiple times prior to her death, and investigators noted that she spent extended periods with Burke, including a trip to Texas where she met his family. During these visits, detectives reportedly reached out to Burke regarding her whereabouts, but he denied knowledge of her status as a minor and claimed they had only met once. Prosecutors have cited sexual texts and photographs as evidence of their relationship, which they argue supports their claims of abuse and subsequent murder. On the night of April 23, 2025, Burke arranged for a car to transport Rivas Hernandez from her hometown of Lake Elsinore, approximately 80 miles away from Los Angeles. The two communicated via messages until she arrived at his Hollywood home, after which her phone ceased functioning. According to the filing, Burke then allegedly stabbed her repeatedly and remained with her as she bled out. Following the incident, prosecutors stated that Burke ordered tools such as chain saws and wading pools, which were later linked to the dismemberment of Rivas Hernandez's body. Her DNA was found at the scene, and police discovered bloodstains during a search of his property. Additionally, her decomposed body was eventually located in a Tesla registered to Burke, which had been towed from the Hollywood Hills in September. Surveillance footage is expected to show Burke as the last individual to operate the vehicle. The delay in arresting Burke has raised questions among law enforcement, particularly given the time it took for the final autopsy report to confirm that Rivas Hernandez died from stab wounds. Uncooperative witnesses and the need to subpoena additional information contributed to the prolonged investigation. While the prosecution has presented its case, the defense has not yet made public statements regarding the allegations. As the preliminary hearing approaches, both sides prepare for what could be a pivotal moment in the ongoing legal battle. With no jury involved, the outcome will depend largely on the judge’s assessment of the evidence provided by prosecutors. The case continues to unfold, with further developments anticipated in the coming weeks.