Singer David Burke, known professionally as D4vd, appeared for a preliminary hearing in Los Angeles in connection with the murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose dismembered remains were discovered shortly before his debut album was released. According to reports, Burke showed no visible emotion as a detective described the grim details of how the teenager's body was found, in a case that has drawn significant public attention given his rising music career.

Prosecutors allege Burke groomed Rivas Hernandez before killing her when she threatened to expose him, and that he subsequently dismembered her remains using a chainsaw. The Los Angeles District Attorney addressed reporters outside the courthouse as the hearing got under way, with the case proceeding through the preliminary stages of the criminal justice process.