Judge hearing evidence against singer D4vd in killing, dismemberment of teen

Summary by The Los Angeles Editorial Desk · Based on reporting by Andrew Dalton | The Associated Press, NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) · July 21, 2026 · 6 min read

Prosecutors on Tuesday showed a body camera video with singer D4vd telling sheriff’s deputies who were investigating a missing person’s report that he had only met then-13-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez once in person, and he did not know she was a minor. “She told me she was 18,” the singer sa...

Why this matters in The Los Angeles

The upcoming hearing against singer D4vd, whose real name is David Burke, has significant implications for the Los Angeles community, particularly in the Hollywood Hills area where the alleged crime took place. The fact that Burke was able to allegedly commit such a heinous crime in a rented house in the neighborhood raises concerns about public safety and the ability of law enforcement to monitor and respond to potential threats. The case also highlights the need for increased awareness and support for victims of child abuse and exploitation, as the victim, Celeste Rivas Hernandez, had been reported missing multiple times before her death. As the preliminary hearing unfolds, the community will be watching closely to see how the justice system responds to these allegations and whether the prosecution can demonstrate probable cause to move forward with a trial. The outcome of this hearing will have a lasting impact on the community's trust in the justice system.

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For the complete original report, visit NBC Los Angeles (KNBC). Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom.

Category: local · Published: July 21, 2026 · Source: NBC Los Angeles (KNBC) · Reading time: 6 min

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Summary created by	The Los Angeles Editorial Desk — automated, rule-governed
Original reporting	Andrew Dalton \| The Associated Press, NBC Los Angeles (KNBC)
Original story	Read at the source
Source published	Jul 21, 2026
Indexed here	Jul 21, 2026
AI assistance	Automated summary drawn from the source’s own published text
Prepublication human review	No — editorial rules, flagged-item review, and published samples

Judge hearing evidence against singer D4vd in killing, dismemberment of teen

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