Los Angeles judge schedules days‑long preliminary hearing for singer D4vd in Celeste Rivas Hernandez murder case

A Los Angeles criminal court has set a multi‑day preliminary hearing for the murder case involving viral singer D4vd and 19‑year‑old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The hearing, which will mark the first substantive courtroom battle over the killing, is slated to begin next week and is expected to run for several consecutive days.

Key developments

According to reports from ABC7 Los Angeles, prosecutors filed a murder indictment against the artist, whose stage name is stylized as D4vd. The indictment alleges that the singer was directly responsible for the fatal shooting of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, a resident of the city who was found dead in an apartment complex on ABC7 Los Angeles. The court docket lists the preliminary hearing as a “days‑long” proceeding, indicating that both sides will have ample opportunity to present evidence, challenge admissibility, and address any legal defenses before a judge decides whether the case will proceed to trial.

ABC7 New York echoed the filing, noting that the hearing will be held at the Los Angeles County Superior Court and will involve a detailed review of forensic reports, witness statements, and any surveillance footage that prosecutors say links the singer to the crime scene. The defense, as reported, plans to argue that the evidence is insufficient to meet the legal threshold for a murder charge, and will likely raise questions about the chain of custody for key items.

Both outlets reported that the preliminary hearing will be the first occasion for the public to hear courtroom testimony about the incident. The judge overseeing the case has not been named in the articles, but standard California procedure gives the presiding judge discretion to determine the length of the hearing based on the volume of evidence presented.

Why it matters

The case sits at the intersection of celebrity culture, the criminal‑justice system, and public safety concerns in Los Angeles. D4vd, whose breakout songs have amassed millions of streams on platforms like TikTok and Spotify, represents a new wave of internet‑fueled fame. When a figure with such a platform becomes the subject of a violent crime, the legal process is scrutinized not only for its adherence to due process but also for its impact on fan communities and broader conversations about accountability.

Legal experts cited by ABC7 Los Angeles explain that a preliminary hearing is a critical checkpoint. In California, the judge must determine whether “probable cause” exists to believe the defendant committed the alleged offense. If the judge finds the evidence lacking, the case can be dismissed; if not, the matter proceeds to trial, where the burden shifts to the prosecution to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

For the music industry, the outcome could influence how record labels and management teams handle artists under criminal investigation. Contracts often contain morality clauses that allow companies to distance themselves from individuals charged with serious crimes. The hearing’s visibility may force stakeholders to make rapid decisions about promotion, touring, and royalties, potentially reshaping the business model for artists whose careers are built on digital virality.

Diverse reactions

Family members of Celeste Rivas Hernandez have spoken to ABC7 Los Angeles, expressing grief and a desire for justice. A spokesperson for the family said the upcoming hearing is “a necessary step toward accountability,” and urged the public to let the legal process unfold without speculation.

Fans of D4vd have taken to social media platforms to voice both support and disappointment. Some users posted messages urging the court to “look at the whole person” and reminding followers of the singer’s charitable work, while others demanded that any involvement in a violent act be met with the full force of the law. ABC7 New York noted that the polarized online discourse underscores the challenges of separating an artist’s public persona from alleged private conduct.

Legal commentators highlighted the procedural aspects of a days‑long preliminary hearing. One analyst, quoted by ABC7 Los Angeles, said that “the length of the hearing suggests a substantial evidentiary record, which could signal that the prosecution is confident in its case.” Another attorney, speaking to ABC7 New York, cautioned that “defense teams will use every opportunity to suppress any improperly obtained evidence, which could dramatically narrow the scope of what proceeds to trial.”

What’s next

After the preliminary hearing concludes, the presiding judge will issue a ruling on whether the murder charge stands. If the judge finds probable cause, the case will move toward a trial date, which could be set months later, depending on court calendars and pre‑trial motions. If the judge dismisses the charge, prosecutors retain the option to appeal the decision.

Both ABC7 outlets reported that the defense is expected to file pre‑trial motions shortly after the hearing, potentially contesting the admissibility of certain forensic evidence and seeking to suppress any statements made by the defendant prior to arrest.

The broader community—law enforcement, victim‑advocacy groups, and the entertainment industry—will be watching the proceedings closely. The outcome may set precedents for how high‑profile cases are handled in Los Angeles and could influence public policy discussions about gun violence, mental‑health resources for artists, and the responsibilities of streaming platforms when creators face serious criminal allegations.