A preliminary hearing regarding David Anthony Burke, better known as singer D4vd, began on Tuesday (July 21) to determine whether the case over the murder of teen Celeste Rivas Hernandez will proceed to trial. Several detailed reports have emerged since the hearing began, with some interesting financials.

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said the intent is to show probable cause that this murder was committed by Burke and advance the case to trial. Therefore, not all the evidence is being presented or discussed at this stage.

However, financial details have emerged regarding Burke’s success prior to authorities discovering the dismembered body of Rivas Hernandez in the trunk of a Tesla registered in his name.

According to testimony by Louis Poimiroo, Senior Vice President of Finance at Interscope Records, Burke’s overall record deal was worth $13 million to $19 million—though that contract was terminated at the end of 2025 after the murder allegations emerged.

“An executive with Interscope Records testified that Burke had been paid more than $6 million for his first two albums, plus merchandising,” reads a report from NBC Los Angeles. “The executive testified that Burke could have earned another $12 million if albums three and four were successful.”

Gregor, as Burke’s financial manager and owner of a music entertainment practice, was called to testify to establish that Burke had a massive financial motive to protect his career. Prosecutors assert that Burke was sexually involved with Rivas Hernandez, who was 13 years old at the time, and that she had threatened to expose their relationship, which would have put his career in jeopardy.

The teen was believed to have been killed just a day after threatening to expose Burke, and only two days before the release of his debut album, Withered. Five months later, her remains were discovered in an impounded car registered in Burke’s name.