D4vd preliminary hearing opens in LA with deputy testimony on Celeste Rivas Hernandez
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Why this grade: On-scene AP reporting accurately captures deputy testimony, gruesome photos, and pending death penalty decision with strong corroboration from multiple outlets; minor gaps on parents' presence and exact demeanor.
Why this lean: Straightforward courthouse reporting with no partisan framing, loaded language, or selective sourcing.
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Summary
AP reporter Andrew Dton reports live from the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center in downtown Los Angeles on the first day of singer D4vd's (David Burke) preliminary hearing in the murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Segments cover testimony from a sheriff's deputy about a 2024 welfare check and from the lead homicide detective, who presented graphic photos of the dismembered body found in an abandoned Tesla; D4vd appeared in orange jail clothes. Celeste's parents were noted in the courtroom. During a lunch break, LA County DA Nathan Hochman stated the death penalty decision remains pending.
Editorial Assessment
The broadcast delivers accurate, timely details consistent with contemporaneous coverage from CNN, NYT, LA Times, and NBC, including the deputy's account of D4vd claiming Celeste said she was 18 and the display of crime-scene photos. Viewer context missing includes the full charges (continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, mutilation) and allegations that abuse began at age 13, plus special circumstances for financial gain and lying in wait. The report notes D4vd's claimed age belief but does not contrast it with prosecution evidence of child sexual abuse material on his phone. Overall framing stays neutral and factual with no evident slant.
Key Moments
Sheriff's deputy testified D4vd said Celeste told him she was 18 and they had a casual relationship, meeting once in person
Deputy Juan Gonzalez testimony on Feb 2024 welfare check, corroborated by LA Magazine and NYT reporting
Lead homicide detective showed gruesome photos of dismembered, decomposing body in abandoned Tesla tied to D4vd and Celeste
Prosecutors presented photos and evidence during preliminary hearing per CNN, NYT, and ABC7 coverage
D4vd appeared in orange jail clothes and seemed chipper, responding pleasantly to the judge
Reports confirm orange jumpsuit and shackles; demeanor descriptions vary by appearance and outlet
DA said death penalty decision still pending after lunch break remarks
DA Nathan Hochman has repeatedly stated decision to be made later; matches multiple sources
Notable Concerns
- Transcript includes defendant's age claim without immediate contrast to charges alleging victim was under 14
Sources Consulted
- Murder suspect d4vd’s preliminary hearing underway as prosecutors detail 14-year-old girl’s death
- D4vd Murder Case: Photos and More Evidence Shared During Preliminary Hearing
- D4vd case: DA provides remarks as testimony continues
- At evidence hearing, judge to decide whether D4vd will stand trial
- D4vd Preliminary Hearing: Graphic Photos Shown in Court