The multi-day preliminary hearing for singer d4vd, accused of murdering 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, is set to begin Tuesday, July 21, 2026, in Los Angeles, offering the first public glimpse into the prosecution’s evidence against the embattled artist. The hearing, which will determine if there is sufficient probable cause to send the case to trial, is expected to last three days and has already sparked controversy over courtroom access.
The court will hold a public lottery each morning for only 10 public seats and 10 standby seats in Department 105 of the Claris Shortridge Folks Criminal Justice Center, with no cameras or recording allowed. Private investigator Steve Fiser, who has been involved in the case, condemned the restrictions as “outrageous,” saying they undermine public access and transparency in a case that has been shrouded in secrecy.
Prosecutors allege that d4vd, whose real name is David Burke, lured Celeste to his Hollywood Hills home on April 23, 2025, stabbed her to death, watched her bleed out, then dismembered her body and concealed the remains. Her decomposed body was found in the front trunk of a Tesla registered to the singer at an LA tow yard on September 8, 2025, the day after what would have been her 15th birthday.
The charges against d4vd include first-degree murder, continuous sexual 𝓪𝓫𝓾𝓼𝓮 of a child under 14, unlawful mutilation of human remains, and special circumstances allegations that could carry the death penalty, such as murder of a witness and murder for financial gain. The singer has pleaded not guilty and maintains his innocence.
Legal analyst Imranar, appearing on the Law & Crime program “Sidebar,” explained that the preliminary hearing serves as a crucial transparency moment. “This is about finally seeing what the prosecution claims it has,” he said. The probable cause standard is lower than the beyond a reasonable doubt requirement at trial, meaning prosecutors only need to convince Judge Charlene F.
Omdo that enough evidence exists to support the charges.
One potential key witness is Asia Collins, a former friend of d4vd who posted a Twitch livestream earlier this month. In it, she described confronting the singer about his relationship with Celeste after the girl had told her she was 13. Collins said d4vd showed her “proof” that Celeste was 19, which she initially accepted, but now she clearly does not believe him.
“She pressed him between questioning the relationship and not harassing who she thought was a friend,” Imranar noted, suggesting Collins could testify about that contemporaneous interaction.
Another possible witness is Neil Langston, another friend who was arrested in Montana and brought back to Los Angeles to testify before a grand jury. Langston was reportedly present at the Hollywood Hills property where the alleged crime occurred and has posted cryptic social media messages about having “receipts.” Imranar indicated that Langston could testify about the strong smell of decay that d4vd allegedly lied about to friends and associates.
The lead detectives on the case, Josh Buyers and Corey Fel of the LAPD, are expected to be the first witnesses to summarize the evidence. This includes the discovery of a blue inflatable pool, chainsaws, a body bag, heavy duty laundry bags, and suspicious trips to Santa Barbara County. Prosecutors also allege that d4vd purchased these items to dismember Celeste’s body.
Text messages between d4vd and Celeste from April 22-23, 2025, are also expected to be introduced. According to prosecution filings, the messages show Celeste threatening to expose their relationship and destroy d4vd’s career, and a lengthy argument about jealousy. “Those text messages give the prosecution the ability to argue motive,” Imranar said, noting that they could explain why d4vd allegedly killed to prevent the exposure from ruining his lucrative music career.
Digital forensics experts may also testify about child pornography allegedly found on d4vd’s devices, which relates to the continuous sexual 𝓪𝓫𝓾𝓼𝓮 charge. The medical examiner’s testimony will be critical, as the autopsy report, limited by extensive post-mortem decomposition, concluded that Celeste died from multiple penetrating injuries and ruled the death a homicide. The defense has previously stated that “actual evidence will show that David Burke did not murder Celeste,” and Imranar expects them to challenge the medical examiner’s findings, arguing the body was too decomposed for a definitive determination.
The medical examiner found two penetrating wounds—one on the upper abdomen penetrating the liver and one on the left chest—along with full-thickness dismemberment of extremities. The report noted that the cause of death was “multiple penetrating injuries” despite the limited condition of the remains. “This is where we may see the defense scoring points,” Imranar said, “attacking the sufficiency of the evidence given the severe post-mortem changes.”
Crime scene technicians and the manager of the tow yard where the Tesla was found will also likely testify about the gruesome discovery of Celeste’s remains. The hearing could also feature testimony from Riverside County Sheriff’s Department deputies regarding the initial investigation into Celeste’s disappearance and d4vd’s allegedly evasive statements about knowing her.
Perhaps most critically, prosecutors have alleged that d4vd “watched her bleed out” without calling emergency services. Imranar questioned how they could prove that detail, suggesting it might be inferred from the lack of any attempt to save her life rather than direct surveillance footage or a witness. “It may be supported by medical evidence, or it may simply be speculation,” he said.
The defense team is expected to object to the admission of certain evidence and to cross-examine witnesses aggressively, given the high stakes of a potential death penalty case. “This hearing is not just about probable cause—it’s about shaping the narrative for trial,” said one legal observer.
The family of Celeste Rivas Hernandez has not appeared in court previously, but they could be called as witnesses if they were aware of the alleged illegal sexual relationship between the victim and the singer. However, Imranar noted that the prosecution may not need them at this stage, given the wealth of forensic and digital evidence.
Judge Omdo has limited public access to the courtroom, which has drawn criticism from those seeking to follow the case. “This is supposed to be a public proceeding, but with only 10 seats available and no recording, it feels like they are making up their own rules,” Fiser posted on X. The judge may face motions from media outlets seeking greater access.
As the world waits to see whether the case will proceed to trial, the preliminary hearing marks a pivotal moment in one of the most 𝓈𝒽𝓸𝒸𝓀𝒾𝓃𝑔 celebrity murder cases in recent memory. The outcome will determine if the singer will face a jury on charges that could end with a sentence of life without parole or even death.
The hearing is scheduled to run from 9:30 a. m. to at least 4:30 p.
m. each day, and the judge has warned that any disruption could lead to further restrictions. For now, all eyes are on Department 105, where the prosecution will lay out the evidence that they believe proves d4vd murdered a child to protect his career.