Singer and streamer D4vd will have to wait a few more weeks before a California court decides if the criminal case against him should move toward trial. A judge in Los Angeles approved a request by the defense to delay a major hearing, giving both sides more time to prepare in one of the most closely watched legal battles in music.
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The ruling does not change the charges facing the artist, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke. Instead, it postpones the date of a probable cause hearing, where it is determined whether the prosecutors have presented enough evidence to proceed with a jury trial.
D4vd's probable cause hearing shifted to July
Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo agreed at a court appearance in Los Angeles with the defense effort to delay the probable cause hearing until July 21 from June 29. The court also set a status conference for July 7.
The court said the request was approved by the judge after defense attorney Marilyn Bednarski filed a sealed document. The hearing is expected to last several days and include testimony from a number of witnesses before the court decides whether there is enough evidence to proceed with the case.
Burke, 21, has pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
Multiple felony charges await him, including first-degree murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under the age of 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains. Prosecutors also have filed special-circumstance allegations that could lead to a life sentence without parole if he is convicted.
D4vd denies wrongdoing as prosecutors lay out allegations
The charges are related to the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose body was found inside Burke’s Tesla in September 2025, prosecutors said.
Court documents say investigators found surveillance footage, forensic evidence, digital communications and purchase records prosecutors believe link Burke to the crime. Prosecutors allege the victim had been talking to Burke prior to her death and investigators have found additional evidence in electronic records.
The prosecution also says Burke tried to cover up the crime after the victim died. Those charges are at the core of the state’s case, and will likely be examined at the upcoming probable cause hearing.
Burke has denied any wrongdoing related to the charges against him.
The July hearing won't decide if the accused are guilty or innocent. Instead, it will look at whether prosecutors have presented enough evidence under California law for the case to go to trial. If the judge finds probable cause, the criminal case will advance to the next stage and the evidence will be tested before a jury.
