The preliminary hearing for singer D4vd, born David Anthony Burke, began Tuesday, July 21, in Los Angeles County Superior Court, more than a year after 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez was reported missing.
Judge Charlaine Olmedo will determine whether prosecutors have presented sufficient evidence for the case to proceed to trial. The hearing is expected to last three to five days, according to court officials.
Burke, 21, has been formally charged with first-degree murder, child sexual abuse, and the unlawful mutilation of human remains in connection with Hernandez's death. He has pleaded not guilty, and remains presumed innocent as proceedings continue.
Initial testimony is expected to come from law enforcement investigators and forensic experts as the court reviews the evidence gathered over the course of the investigation. One of Burke's attorneys, Blair Berk, said this week the defense was prepared to move forward after several earlier postponements in the case.
The hearing was delayed multiple times since the spring, most recently after the defense requested additional time to review a large volume of digital evidence.
We hold the Rivas family in prayer as they await answers.
Related Article: D4vd's Preliminary Hearing Begins Today After Months of Delays in Celeste Rivas Hernandez Case
