D4vd: Massive Evidence Discovery Causes Major Delays In Murder Trial

David Burke, AKA d4vd, appeared in a Los Angeles courtroom on Tuesday for a short but important hearing that changed the timeline of the case against him. Actually, it seems that both the defense and the prosecution want more time. So, delays arrive. Read on to find out why.

The News Via A Reporter In Court

The news arrived via the Law&Crime Network, with host Jesse Weber on his Side Bar segment on Tuesday night. He reminded his true crime followers that Burke is accused of first degree murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawfully mutilating human remains.

Of course, it’s a well-publicized case and it centers around 14 year old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Her “decomposed, dismembered body” was discovered inside a Tesla linked to D4vd in September last year. But if you hope for a fast trial, a reporter who was in court noted that’s highly unlikely.

Court Appearance Draws Attention

Investigative reporter Julia Deng attended the hearing and she discussed what happened in court. Firstly, she described Burke as appearing tired and unkempt during the proceedings. She said he looked “not great” while standing before the judge.

Deng noted Burke wore an LA County jail uniform with a white shirt underneath and appeared less groomed than in previous appearances, with longer curly hair and facial scruff. Nevertheless, he seemed relaxed and remarkably unconcerned.

Burke briefly addressed the judge during the hearing, responding with “yes, your honor” when asked whether he agreed to the new hearing schedule.

Back To The Starting Block

The hearing itself moved quickly, but the outcome means the legal process basically starts over once again. Deng described the situation as having to “do this exercise all over again.”

A new status conference was scheduled for June 17, while the preliminary hearing is scheduled to take place on June 29. Previously, the hearing was expected in April before earlier delays pushed it back.

Massive Amount Of Evidence

Usually, it’s the defense team that files motions to slow down the legal process. So, it seemed a bit unusual that the prosecution also leans that way with the d4vd case.

As Jesse and Julia discussed the whys of it, it became evident that the amount of evidence both sides deal with seems massive.

Prosecutor Beth Silverman told the court the discovery process is far from complete because investigators still organize and upload digital material connected to the case. She reportedly described the case files as “voluminous evidence,” adding that the total amount exceeds “more than 40 terabytes.”

Silverman also noted prosecutors only recently began turning over the material to the defense, with roughly 10 terabytes uploaded so far.

Why The Defense Wants Delays

The defense argued they still haven’t received certain DNA materials and witness reports they believe are necessary before moving ahead with the preliminary hearing.

According to Weber, defense attorneys said they need “more intel to prep” before they feel ready to proceed. Certainly true crime followers hoping for justice for Celeste Rivas Hernandez shouldn’t hold their breath for a quick trial.

Judge Warns Against Endless Delays

Although the judge approved the continuance, Julia explained that she made it clear she doeen’t want the case dragging on indefinitely. Deng described the judge as “very stern” during the hearing. However, Silverman acknowledged complicated cases involving massive amounts of evidence can sometimes continue “for years.”

For now, true crime followers can only look forward to June 17 for the next d4vd hearing. On that date, the court will decide whether the June 29 preliminary hearing date becomes the official “go date” or faces another postponement.

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