Judge to hear evidence against singer D4vd in killing 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 · 5 min read

A judge is set to decide at a hearing that opens Tuesday whether there is enough evidence to put singer D4vd on trial in the killing and dismemberment of a 14-year-old girl that authorities said had threatened to expose their relationship. Prosecutors have said the evidence will show that 21-year...

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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Original reporting by NBC Los Angeles (KNBC). The Los Angeles surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page.

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: 5 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 to hear evidence against singer D4vd in killing of teen

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