What happens at D4vd's May 1 preliminary hearing — and why it matters
CNN
news
Apr 25, 2026
Singer D4vd faces a four-to-five-day preliminary evidentiary hearing beginning May 1 before Judge Charlaine Olmedo in Los Angeles County. Prosecutors will present live witness testimony and physical evidence — the first time much of the case enters public record. The judge will decide whether probable cause exists to send Burke to trial for capital murder. Legal experts say the hearing is unusually fast-tracked for a death-penalty-eligible case.
Defense calls prosecution's bluff: Inside D4vd's strategy to force evidence into public record
AllHipHop
news
Apr 23, 2026
D4vd's defense team, led by Blair Berk, made an aggressive legal gamble by demanding an immediate preliminary hearing rather than waiving their right under California law. The move forces prosecutors to publicly present all evidence — or risk having the judge dismiss the case. Berk's strategy: if the prosecution isn't ready, the charges could be thrown out. Prosecutors responded they'll be ready and want to go to trial within 60 days of the preliminary hearing.
Autopsy reveals Celeste Rivas Hernandez died from multiple stab wounds; body weighed 71 lbs when discovered
Associated Press
news
Apr 22, 2026
The long-sealed autopsy report on Celeste Rivas Hernandez was released Wednesday, revealing the 14-year-old died from two penetrating stab wounds — one to the right abdomen piercing her liver, one to the left chest. Her remains weighed just 71 pounds and were in an advanced state of decomposition when discovered in D4vd's abandoned Tesla. Toxicology showed presumptive positives for benzodiazepines, methamphetamine, and MDMA.
D4vd transferred to LA Men's Central Jail, held in segregated unit due to celebrity status
TMZ
news
Apr 20, 2026
Following his not guilty plea, singer D4vd (David Anthony Burke) was transferred late Monday to the Los Angeles County Men's Central Jail. Per TMZ, due to his public figure status, Burke was moved to a segregated unit — a standard protective measure for high-profile inmates. He is being held without bail pending the outcome of his May 1 preliminary hearing.
D4vd's parents stand by son, call charges 'disappointing' — family attorney speaks
TMZ / USA Today
news
Apr 17, 2026
In the wake of D4vd's arrest, his parents Dawud and Colleen Burke — who themselves had been subpoenaed to testify before a Los Angeles grand jury — issued a statement through family attorney Kent A. Schaffer: "The Burkes are not surprised but are terribly disappointed that the District Attorney chose to charge David. Nevertheless they support and stand by him one hundred percent." The family had previously fought the grand jury subpoenas in Texas court before a judge ordered them to comply.
LAPD reportedly arrested D4vd without DA green light — forcing prosecutors to charge him
NewsNation / Bossip
news
Apr 17, 2026
Sources told NewsNation and TMZ that LAPD grew frustrated with the pace of the grand jury process and arrested David Burke without the DA's formal sign-off. The tactical arrest at a property formerly owned by Sandra Bullock effectively forced the hand of DA Nathan Hochman, who had until Monday to decide whether to file charges. The reported friction highlights the high-pressure nature of a case that had been seven months in the making.
Court documents reveal D4vd is target of Los Angeles grand jury in Celeste Rivas Hernandez killing
Associated Press
news
Feb 25, 2026
Sealed California court documents, unsealed in Texas, confirmed D4vd (David Anthony Burke) as the target of a Los Angeles County grand jury investigation into the killing of Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Subpoenas were issued to his parents, Dawud and Colleen Burke, and brother, compelling their testimony. The filings revealed Celeste's remains were found in two separate bags — one containing her head and torso, another her severed limbs.