In a recent hearing in downtown Los Angeles, D4vd, the singer known as David Anthony Burke, pleaded not guilty to serious charges, including first-degree murder and continuous sexual abuse. These charges stem from the shocking death of 13-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez last year.
D4vd, 21, appeared in court behind a glass barrier, and his defense attorney, Blair Berk, insisted that the evidence wouldn’t support a murder conviction. Berk emphasized the need for a fast-tracked preliminary hearing, seeking transparency after months of secret grand jury proceedings.
Prosecutor Beth Silverman responded, saying they were ready to present the evidence they had collected against D4vd. This included a formal felony complaint filed at the same time. She acknowledged the volume of evidence and mentioned a detailed press conference on the case that had taken place earlier that day.
Amid the proceedings, Hernandez’s parents sat silently in the courtroom, visibly affected by the situation. Outside the courtroom, Los Angeles County District Attorney Hochman indicated that the death penalty could be on the table if D4vd is found guilty. Special circumstances for the death penalty in California could apply here, including allegations that the crime involved financial gain and that Hernandez was a witness to other crimes against her.
D4vd faces additional charges related to sexual acts with a victim under the age of 14. His arrest occurred last week after months of investigation, eight months after Hernandez’s body was discovered in a Tesla linked to him. D4vd was reportedly on tour in another location at the time. He had publicly promised to cooperate with law enforcement during the investigation.
As D4vd remains in custody without bail, he is expected back in court soon. Judge McGonigle, who is also overseeing another high-profile case, has ordered the release of Hernandez’s autopsy report, adding another layer of urgency to this grim situation.
Public reaction has been intense, especially on social media, where many users are expressing shock and outrage over the allegations. This case highlights the ongoing issues of violence against minors and the public’s demand for justice.
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