The preliminary hearing in the murder and sexual abuse case against singer David Anthony Burke, better known by his stage name D4vd, has begun in Los Angeles, with prosecutors presenting graphic evidence they say supports allegations that the 21-year-old artist killed and dismembered a 14-year-old girl in an attempt to conceal years of alleged abuse.Burke has pleaded not guilty to all charges, including murder and continuous sexual abuse of a child. The hearing, which began on July 21, is intended to determine whether prosecutors have presented sufficient evidence for the case to proceed to trial. It is not a determination of guilt or innocence.Prosecutors present graphic crime scene evidenceDuring the opening day of the hearing, prosecutors displayed crime scene photographs showing the remains of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose body was discovered in September 2025 inside the trunk of a Tesla registered to Burke.According to testimony from Los Angeles Police Department homicide detective Josh Byers, investigators found the teenager's remains inside a cadaver bag and trash bags after the vehicle was located at a Hollywood tow yard. Byers testified that the body had been dismembered into multiple sections and had significantly decomposed after remaining undiscovered for several months.When the bags were opened, investigators found what he described as “various limbs of a body,” including arms and legs that had been severed.The Los Angeles Times reported that prosecutors displayed images showing the victim’s torso, a severed arm, and portions of her legs, which authorities said had been cut at the knees and divided into multiple sections.The detective also told the court that Hernandez's face was no longer recognizable because of decomposition. Investigators reported finding insects and maggots throughout the trunk, highlighting the length of time the remains had been inside the vehicle.Prosecutors further alleged that two fingers had been removed from the victim's hand in an effort to eliminate evidence of a tattoo connecting her to Burke.Alleged relationship began when victim was a childAccording to court filings cited during the hearing, prosecutors allege Burke first communicated with Hernandez online when she was around 11 years old through social media or Discord.Authorities claim the relationship escalated over the following years, eventually becoming sexual when Hernandez was 13. Prosecutors allege the pair remained in contact through 2025 and traveled together to multiple locations, including Las Vegas, Texas and London.Investigators also presented previously recorded body-camera footage from a February 2024 encounter between Burke and Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies. In the footage, Burke reportedly stated that he believed Hernandez was 18 years old and said he had only met her once in person.Prosecutors, however, contend that the relationship was much more extensive and that Burke continued communicating with the teenager even after her parents confiscated her phone by allegedly arranging for another teenager to deliver her a replacement device.Prosecution alleges killing followed threat to expose relationshipThe prosecution argues Hernandez traveled to Burke's rented Hollywood Hills residence on April 23, 2025, following an argument between the two.Court filings allege the teenager threatened to reveal details of their relationship, which prosecutors say Burke believed would destroy his rapidly growing music career.Authorities allege Burke fatally stabbed Hernandez twice before taking extensive steps to conceal the crime. An autopsy previously determined that the victim died from stab wounds.Amazon purchases form key part of prosecution's caseOne of the prosecution's central arguments focuses on a series of online purchases allegedly made shortly after Hernandez's death.Detective Byers testified that Burke ordered multiple items, including:Two chainsawsA cadaver or body bagHeavy-duty laundry bagsA blue inflatable poolA shovelA burn cageAccording to prosecutors, several purchases were allegedly made using aliases, including "Victoria Mendez" and "Trayvion Davis."Investigators allege the inflatable pool was used during the dismemberment process to contain blood and other biological evidence. Prosecutors also said fragments of blue plastic consistent with the pool were later recovered from Hernandez's remains.However, during cross-examination, the defense highlighted that investigators found no evidence suggesting the alleged burn cage had ever been used.Defense maintains Burke is not guiltyBurke's legal team has denied all allegations and continues to maintain his innocence.Defense attorney Blair Berk challenged aspects of the prosecution's forensic evidence during cross-examination, including questioning investigators about whether certain purchased items, such as the alleged burn cage, had actually been used.What happens next?The current proceedings are limited to determining whether prosecutors have established probable cause for the case to move forward.If the judge concludes sufficient evidence exists, Burke will be ordered to stand trial on the charges.As with all criminal proceedings, Burke is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court. The allegations presented during the preliminary hearing represent the prosecution's case and remain subject to challenge by the defense during any future trial.