New evidence against singer D4vd in brutal killing of teen set to come to light

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Set us as preferred For nearly a year, the only thing clear about the death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez was that she met a gruesome end.The missing 14-year-old’s body rotted for weeks until it was found in the trunk of a Tesla at a Hollywood tow yard last September, severed at the limbs and stuffed into black plastic bags, according to medical examiner’s records and court filings.Investigators soon determined that the Tesla was registered to David Anthony Burke, 21, a singer who performs under the stage name D4vd.

But as months went by, authorities said almost nothing about how her remains ended up in the ascendant R&B singer’s vehicle or whether he was responsible for her death.A preliminary hearing that begins Tuesday is expected to reveal much more about Hernandez’s slaying and the ghoulish steps prosecutors allege Burke took to cover it up.He has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.Earlier this year, prosecutors made their theory of the case public after arresting Burke on murder and sex assault charges.

Fearing the collapse of his burgeoning music career, Burke invited Hernandez to his Hollywood Hills home and stabbed her twice after she threatened to expose him for sexually abusing her, prosecutors said in a nine-page court filing in April.Burke then dismembered his victim’s body with a chainsaw and amputated two of her fingers to erase evidence of a tattoo linking the pair, according to the filing.Neither the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office or the Los Angeles Police Department have responded to questions about the case since.

At a preliminary hearing, a judge decides whether prosecutors have enough evidence to proceed to trial.The hearings often result in displays of key evidence, including crime scene photos and items recovered after the execution of search warrants.

Investigat...