LOS ANGELES (Court TV) — At a brief pretrial hearing on Tuesday, defense attorneys representing singer David Burke, known professionally as “d4vd,” accused prosecutors of intentionally stalling the case. Burke, 21, is charged with first-degree murder, continued lewd and lascivious acts with an individual under 14, and mutilating a human body. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The Case Against David Burke
Burke was arrested months after the body of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas-Hernandez, who had previously been reported missing, was found dismembered and decomposing in the trunk of a Tesla registered in Burke’s name. Prosecutors have pointed to several pieces of evidence that they say link the defendant to the crime, including receipts for the purchase of chainsaws and a body bag. Additionally, blood and DNA evidence found in Burke’s home have been cited as key elements in the prosecution’s case. The cause of Rivas-Hernandez’s death was determined to be multiple penetrating injuries, including two sharp force injuries to her torso.
The Hearing
Tuesday’s hearing, originally scheduled as a preliminary hearing, was held without the presence of cameras or representatives from either the defendant’s or the victim’s families. A Court TV reporter who was inside the courtroom described Burke as wearing an orange jumpsuit from the Los Angeles County Jail with a white long-sleeved shirt underneath. He appeared unshaven, and his hair looked longer than in previous appearances.
Defense Accusations
During the hearing, Burke’s defense lawyers told the judge that they had requested DNA evidence related to the case but had not yet received it. The defense attorneys accused the prosecution of stalling, suggesting that this delay would give them more time to prepare their case. Lead prosecutor Beth Silverman appeared frustrated with the situation and expressed concern over the delays in the discovery process. She warned that these types of cases could drag on for years.
The Evidence Load
Silverman revealed that approximately 10 terabytes of evidence had already been shared, with at least 40 terabytes total expected in the case. She explained that completing the discovery process could take months due to the sheer volume of evidence involved. The judge rescheduled the preliminary hearing for June 29, with a status conference set for June 17.
Looking Ahead
As the case continues to develop, Burke remains behind bars, awaiting further legal proceedings. The discovery of new evidence and the continued investigation are expected to shape the trial in the coming months.
