Los Angeles police revealed new details during a preliminary hearing in the case against singer-songwriter D4vd, whose legal name is Burke, accused of murdering his former girlfriend, Hernandez, a minor.

Detective Corey Farell of the Los Angeles Police Department testified extensively about evidence retrieved from Burke’s cellphone, which included numerous photographs depicting sexual acts between Burke and Hernandez. Prosecutors did not release the images, citing their classification as illegal child sexual material. In addition to photos, investigators presented hundreds of text messages exchanged between the pair from November 2023 through the night of Hernandez’s alleged murder in April 2025.

The messages outlined a complex and troubled relationship. Hernandez was reportedly pregnant with Burke’s child in early 2024 but later terminated the pregnancy. According to texts shared in court, Hernandez expressed deep emotional distress after the abortion, writing in August 2024, “I care abt u i killed my kid [for] you,” and noting her anguish at having made the choice. The couple ended their relationship in November 2024, after which Hernandez exhibited signs of jealousy regarding Burke’s interactions with other women. One text sent by Hernandez on April 22, 2025, read, “I will tell my dad so many ... lies about u ... i will end ur career and ur life I will damage anything,” which prosecutors contend prompted Burke to plan her death. Hernandez’s body was found shortly after, with prosecutors alleging Burke killed her on April 23, 2025.

Burke’s debut album, “Withered,” scheduled for release on April 25, was part of a lucrative four-album deal with Interscope Records potentially worth up to $19 million. Court evidence indicated that Burke and Hernandez’s relationship was known to both their families. Hernandez’s parents had signed a travel waiver permitting their daughter to accompany Burke to London. Moreover, Burke frequently spent time with Hernandez’s family in Los Angeles, participating in church services and family outings. Hernandez, in turn, visited Burke’s family home in Houston and attended one of his concerts from a VIP box with his relatives.

Despite the large volume of digital evidence, key forensic details about the murder remain unclear. Neither the weapon used nor the circumstances surrounding Hernandez’s death have been established. There were no eyewitnesses who could confirm the presence of either party between 10:10 p.m. and 10:31 p.m. on the night of the murder. Police recovered several chainsaws from Burke’s home, but none tested positive for Hernandez’s blood or DNA. While bloodstains matching Hernandez were found in Burke’s garage, investigators have not located the murder weapon.

Legal analysts have described the evidence as largely circumstantial, though some noted the prosecution is led by an experienced attorney with a record of obtaining convictions in difficult homicide cases. Defense attorneys have challenged the narrative, suggesting potential self-harm by Hernandez or prior abuse directed at Burke. One forensic expert conceded self-inflicted injury could not be entirely ruled out, while defense counsel referenced Hernandez’s alleged mental health struggles and possible domestic violence, signaling potential arguments for self-defense or a reduced charge of manslaughter.

Burke’s next court appearance is scheduled for August 31 for a post-preliminary-hearing arraignment. While a trial could be set within 90 days, observers consider this unlikely due to the case’s complexity and volume of evidence. Prosecutors have not yet announced whether they will seek the death penalty, although Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman has historically reserved capital punishment for specific cases such as police officer assassinations and mass shootings. California’s governor maintains a moratorium on executions, making actual enforcement of the death penalty unlikely even if Burke is convicted.