HOLLYWOOD HILLS—Singer David A. Burke, known by the stage name D4vd, had his lawyer file a motion seeking permission to appear in court without handcuffs or other restraints. His lawyer, Blair Berk, argued his client never tried to escape, has never been disruptive, and has made five court appearances, all without incident. She cited that record to argue that restraints should be kept to a minimum unless there is a specific need.
Judge Charlaine Olmedo of the Los Angeles Superior Court has not yet ruled on the motion. The hearing is set to begin Tuesday, July 21, and is expected to run for about 3 to 7 days. It will determine whether prosecutors have enough evidence to send Burke to trial in the murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
D4vd is eligible to receive both life in prison and the death penalty for his alleged involvement in the murder of Rivas-Hernandez. He is facing first-degree murder with special circumstances, lewd and lascivious acts with an individual under 14, and mutilating a body.
The special circumstances include lying in wait for the victim, committing the crime for financial gain, and murdering a witness in an investigation.
These circumstances increase the severity of the case, which prompted Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman to consider pursuing the death penalty.
Investigators believe the scene of the crime was D4VD’s home in Hollywood Hills. They argued that Burke stabbed Hernandez after she threatened to expose his criminal conduct and jeopardize his music career.
Hernandez’s body was found mutilated in the front trunk of a Tesla in September 2025. Charges were filed against the singer on April 20, 2026. The preliminary hearing on Tuesday will determine whether there’s enough evidence to hold Burke to answer on the charges.
By Milan Manesh