The defense team for singer D4vd whose real name is David Anthony Burke has been vigorously challenging the evidence presented by prosecutors in the Celeste Rivas Hernandez murder case. On the third day of the preliminary hearing, defense attorneys focused on the methods used by law enforcement to test evidence found in Burke’s home.
Prosecutors allege that Burke, now 21, fatally stabbed 14-year-old Rivas Hernandez to prevent her from exposing their alleged sexual relationship. Burke has pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree murder, “lewd and lascivious acts” with a child under 14, and mutilation of human remains.
Defense Questions Forensic Testing Methods
On Thursday, defense attorney Blair Berk questioned Lauren Wallace a criminalist for the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) about why certain items, including two chainsaws found in Burke’s garage, were not tested for DNA. Berk suggested that another individual’s DNA could have been present, highlighting that multiple people lived at the Hollywood Hills residence.
Wallace confirmed that the prosecution was aware of other occupants in the home. This line of questioning previewed the defense’s strategy to challenge the prosecution’s case should it proceed to trial.
Passport Discovery and Weather Theories
On Wednesday, Sean Buenrostro a California highway patrol officer, testified about the discovery of Rivas Hernandez’s passport in January 2026 on a dirt embankment off State Route 154 in Santa Barbara. The passport was found by a Caltrans worker, who then contacted law enforcement.
During cross-examination, defense attorney Regina Peter cast doubt on the theories surrounding how the passport ended up at that location. She asked Buenrostro if any efforts were made to rule out the possibility that the card arrived there due to a storm or weather issue. This questioning aimed to introduce alternative explanations for the passport’s presence at the scene.
Prosecution Presents Cellular Data Evidence
Prosecutors brought a detective to the stand on Thursday who testified that cellular data and a Tesla system showed Burke traveled to the area where Rivas Hernandez’s passport was discovered. This evidence was presented to establish Burke’s presence near the location where the passport was found.
The hearing is expected
The case has drawn significant attention, with graphic details emerging about the condition of Rivas Hernandez’s body and the alleged efforts by Burke to conceal the crime. Prosecutors have presented evidence suggesting that Burke used his credit cards to purchase chainsaws, a body bag, and a shovel, allegedly to mutilate and dispose of Rivas Hernandez’s remains.
As the hearing progresses, the defense continues to challenge the prosecution’s evidence, aiming to create reasonable doubt in the minds of the judges. The outcome of this preliminary hearing will determine whether Burke will face a trial for the alleged crimes.
