D4vd Lawyers Challenge LAPD Evidence Testing in Murder Hearing

Attorneys for the singer D4vd challenged the Los Angeles Police Department's (LAPD) methods for testing evidence discovered in his residence on the third day of a preliminary hearing. This hearing is set to decide whether David Anthony Burke, known professionally as D4vd, will face trial for charges including murder and child sexual abuse.

Prosecutors allege that D4vd fatally stabbed 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez in the previous year. The motive, according to the prosecution, was to prevent her from revealing the sexual nature of their relationship, which they claim could have jeopardized his burgeoning music career. The defense's focus on the evidence testing procedures suggests a strategy to undermine the prosecution's case by questioning the integrity or relevance of the collected materials.

The proceedings on July 23, 2026, involved scrutiny of the criminalist's actions and decisions regarding the handling and analysis of the evidence. The defense aims to highlight any potential flaws or irregularities in the police investigation that could impact the admissibility or weight of the evidence presented against D4vd. The outcome of this hearing will determine if sufficient probable cause exists to proceed with a full trial.