Day two of the preliminary hearing for 21-year-old singer David Burke, known professionally as D4vd, brought graphic crime scene descriptions and intense scrutiny of the artist’s financial inner circle. Burke faces charges in the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose remains were found in his Tesla.
The day’s proceedings were extensively documented by internet commentator Sloan Hooks (@sloanhooks). Hooks is a popular YouTube and Instagram personality with over 1.2 mln subscribers who specializes in pop culture, internet drama, and true crime storytelling. Sitting in on the highly restricted courtroom, Hooks provided detailed observations of both the testimonies and the defendant’s demeanor.
Financials, security, and a flight to London
The session focused heavily on Burke’s finances and the adults in his orbit. Financial associate Benjamin Greger returned to the stand, revealing that Sheldon Jock, a security guard who lived in Burke’s home, was allegedly driving the underage victim to nightclubs using a fake ID. Greger also testified that he learned from another associate, Robert Morgenroth, that Burke had used his funds to purchase a plane ticket to London for the minor.
The prosecution, led by Beth Silverman, pressed Interscope Records’ Senior VP of Finance, identified as Louis P., regarding Burke’s record contracts and brand deals with companies like Bose, Hollister, and Crocs, totaling $485,000. Prosecutors appeared to be tracking the movement of Burke’s wealth, including a Coogan account and the «Thorn Rose Trust.»
Tensions flared over a termination letter from the record label. When defense attorney Blair Berk attempted to halt questioning regarding the letter, the presiding judge sharply rebuked her, suggesting she file a formal behavioral review if she disagreed with the ruling.
Graphic evidence from the Tesla
The courtroom atmosphere grew heavy as LAPD criminalist Chelsea Moralo detailed her September 9 examination of Burke’s vehicle. Moralo testified that the vehicle was covered in dust and contained a highly noticeable odor of decaying flesh. In an apparent attempt to mask the smell, numerous air fresheners and hand sanitizers were found inside the car.
Graphic photographs (Exhibit 50.3) were presented to the court, showing the vehicle’s front trunk («frunk») stained with a red strip and infested with flies and larvae. Moralo confirmed that DNA swabs taken from the frunk matched Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Furthermore, crime scene enhancement photos revealed massive amounts of blood in the third-row seating area, suggesting the victim’s body may have been placed there before being moved to the frunk.
Berk’s defense team attempted to challenge the credibility of the photos, suggesting they were manipulated. Muralo quickly clarified that the luminescent enhancement is standard protocol to accurately capture how the blue light appears in person.
The discarded ID
Officer Sean Brosco of Santa Barbara testified about recovering the victim’s ID on Highway 154 on January 7, 2026. A Caltrans employee had discovered the ID thrown into the grass near a dirt embankment.
During cross-examination, the defense fiercely scrutinized Brosco’s recovery methods, questioning the exact coordinates of the discovery and whether the card was handled with bare hands. Observers noted that the defense seemed focused on distancing Burke from the ID, even floating the theory that severe weather or a storm could have carried the ID to the highway.
A «comfortable» defendant
Despite the grim nature of the testimonies, and the victim’s mother crying audibly when her daughter’s unredacted ID and photo were displayed, Burke remained visibly detached.
Dressed in an LA County jail uniform with a white undershirt, glasses, and plastic slip-on shoes, Burke appeared exceptionally comfortable. Hooks observed Burke leaning casually on his armrest and frequently whispering with his attorneys, noting that the singer looked «bored at his own trial» while the rest of the gallery reacted to the disturbing evidence.
