Artist David Burke Lounges Through Murder Hearing in Jail Jumpsuit

When you’re facing first-degree murder charges, most people might sit rigidly at the defense table, hanging on every word their lawyers exchange with prosecutors. Artist David Burke, known professionally as D4vd, took a different approach during his status conference in Downtown Los Angeles on Tuesday — he slouched low in his chair like he was killing time in an airport terminal, seemingly unbothered as the legal machinery ground forward around him.

The 24-year-old appeared in an orange jail jumpsuit and shackles, charged in connection with the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Her dismembered remains were discovered inside a Tesla registered to the musician last year. Despite the gravity of those allegations, Burke pleaded not guilty to all charges following his April arrest and maintained that detached demeanor throughout the morning’s proceedings.

Tuesday’s hearing wasn’t about the merits of the case itself — it was procedural, a chance for both sides to spar over discovery timelines and evidence handoffs before the preliminary hearing, now scheduled for June 29. These status conferences are the unsexy backbone of criminal litigation, heavy on scheduling and light on drama. His legal team and prosecutors debated the pace of evidence turnover, with another status hearing already locked in for June 17. The judge noted the court would remain in session throughout the timeline, keeping the machinery moving.

What stands out isn’t just Burke’s unusual courtroom demeanor — it’s the stark contrast between how these moments usually play out and how he chose to occupy them. Most defendants understand that appearing engaged, serious, and appropriately concerned works in their favor with judges. Burke’s body language suggested either confidence in his defense, resignation to the process, or something else entirely. Court sketches captured him entering in restraints, a visual snapshot of where the case stands: serious charges, serious consequences, and a defendant who seemed almost detached from it all.

The legal calendar ahead is packed. Between now and late June, lawyers will wrangle over discovery, prepare witnesses, and build the foundation for the preliminary hearing. That’s when the prosecution must present sufficient evidence to move the case forward. For now, Burke waits — slouching through status conferences and calendar management, a figure whose casual courtroom posture has become its own kind of news.