What specific charges does D4vd face in the preliminary hearing?

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D4vd Faces Charges Including Murder and Child Abuse

US singer D4vd, real name David Anthony Burke, is facing multiple serious charges in a preliminary hearing, including murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains. These charges stem from the death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose decomposed body was discovered in the trunk of Burke's car in September. Prosecutors allege Burke began a sexual relationship with the victim when she was 11 and continued it when she was 13, killing her after she threatened to expose their illegal relationship.
Murder and Child Abuse Allegations

The prosecution contends that David Anthony Burke, 21, murdered Celeste Rivas Hernandez, who was found in his car shortly before her 15th birthday. Testimony revealed that Burke allegedly met the victim when she was 11 and initiated a sexual relationship when she was 13, a relationship prosecutors claim was illegal due to her age. Burke has denied these allegations.
Gruesome Discovery of Dismembered Remains

During the preliminary hearing, Los Angeles Police Detective Joshua Byers described the horrific state of the victim's remains. He testified that the body was so decomposed it was "unrecognisable" and emitted a "very distinctive smell" of a corpse. Grim photographs presented in court showed the girl's dismembered remains, including her head and torso in a large black bag, with her arms and legs found in a separate bag exhibiting insect activity and maggots.
Defendant's Statement and Potential Penalties

Body camera footage played in court showed Burke telling sheriff deputies that the victim had claimed to be 18 years old, contradicting her mother's report of her being 13 when she went missing in 2024. If convicted of the charges, which include murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under the age of 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains, Burke could face life imprisonment or the death penalty.
Preliminary Hearing Proceedings

The preliminary hearing is scheduled to last between three to five days, during which a judge will determine if there is sufficient probable cause to proceed to trial. Los Angeles chief prosecutor Nathan Hochman expressed confidence that the evidentiary burden will be met to hold Burke accountable for the three felony charges.

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What specific charges does D4vd face in the preliminary hearing?

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