LOS ANGELES – The courtroom was tense as Benjamin Gregor, a money manager for the indie-pop singer D4vd, took the stand on Wednesday. He revealed that he had only heard the first name of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, the 14-year-old girl whose tragic death D4vd is charged with causing, before her dismembered body was discovered in a car trunk.
This testimony came during a preliminary hearing meant to determine if there is enough evidence to bring D4vd, whose real name is David Burke, to trial on serious charges including murder, continuous sexual abuse of a minor, and mutilation of a body.
“I knew her first name,” Gregor stated when asked about Celeste. The prosecutor, Deputy District Attorney Beth Silverman, inquired where he had heard the name, to which Gregor replied that he learned it from D4vd’s manager, Rob Morgenroth.
Burke’s defense team maintains that he did not cause Rivas Hernandez’s death and he has pleaded not guilty. Prosecutors allege that Burke fatally stabbed her to prevent her from revealing their relationship, which they claim could have harmed his rising music career.
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The questioning continued with Gregor discussing Burke’s finances, hinting at what he might have lost and whether the crime could have been financially motivated.
Silverman asked Gregor if he knew Burke had taken Rivas Hernandez on trips to London and Texas to meet his family. Gregor acknowledged hearing about the London trip, which led to heated exchanges in the courtroom.
The prosecutor also asked about Burke taking Rivas Hernandez to nightclubs using fake IDs, which prompted a strong objection from Burke’s lawyer, who argued that Silverman was effectively testifying.
Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo is responsible for determining if there is enough probable cause for a trial. Prosecutors aim to prove that Burke, who is now 21, met Rivas Hernandez when she was just 11 and began a sexual relationship with her when she was 13.
According to court filings, Rivas Hernandez became jealous of Burke’s other relationships and threatened to expose him. On April 23, 2025, Burke allegedly had a car pick her up from her hometown, and they exchanged messages until her phone stopped working upon her arrival at his house. Prosecutors claim he stabbed her shortly after.
The first day of the preliminary hearing focused on the chilling details following her death. Detective Joshua Byers testified that Burke had ordered items online, including a body bag and a chainsaw, which were later found in his garage when a search warrant was executed.
Prosecutors say Burke dismembered Rivas Hernandez’s body in his garage and stored it in the trunk of his Tesla, which was discovered months later in September. When authorities inspected the vehicle, they found a body bag containing human remains.
As the testimonies unfolded, Rivas Hernandez’s parents, Jesus Rivas and Mercedes Martinez, were present in the courtroom, bearing the emotional weight of the proceedings.
Burke has been held without bail since his arrest and appeared in court wearing orange jail clothing and glasses. Witnesses testified that his music career had earned him at least $10 million from 2023 to 2025.
Known for his indie-rock and lo-fi pop sound, D4vd rose to fame through social media platforms like TikTok and Spotify. His song “Romantic Homicide” gained over a billion plays, and he had performed at major events like Coachella and toured with artists such as SZA.
As this case continues, it sheds light on the darker aspects of fame and the serious consequences of relationships involving minors. The hearing will determine if D4vd will face a full trial for the shocking allegations against him.
