The legal team representing TikTok musician D4vd, legally known as David Burke, recently petitioned a Los Angeles judge for specific grooming and wardrobe accommodations. The 21-year-old artist is currently facing serious charges, including first-degree murder, in connection with the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
Burke’s attorneys requested that he be allowed to wear a button-down shirt and dress trousers during his scheduled preliminary hearing on May 1, 2026. They argued that appearing in civilian attire would be more appropriate for the courtroom setting than standard jail-issued clothing.
Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo denied the request for civilian clothing, ruling that the defendant must appear in his standard jail attire. However, the court did grant the request for a haircut, ordering the sheriff’s department to facilitate the grooming session prior to the hearing.
The case has drawn significant public attention due to the disturbing nature of the allegations. Prosecutors claim that the victim’s remains were discovered inside a vehicle registered to the musician, leading to additional charges of mutilating a body and lewd acts with a minor.
Burke has entered a plea of not guilty and remains in custody without the possibility of bail. His defense team is pushing for an expedited preliminary hearing to force the prosecution to present their evidence early in the legal process.
Public reaction to the request for a haircut and new clothing has been largely critical. Many observers have characterized the motion as tone-deaf, given the gravity of the charges and the tragic circumstances surrounding the victim's death.
D4vd rose to prominence through viral bedroom-recorded tracks that secured him significant industry attention and major label partnerships. The transition from a rising musical career to a high-stakes criminal trial has shocked his fanbase and the broader entertainment industry.
The upcoming May 1 hearing serves as a critical juncture in the case. It will determine if there is sufficient evidence to proceed to a full trial and could influence whether prosecutors pursue the death penalty.
While the court has denied his request for a wardrobe change, the approval of a haircut ensures that the defendant will appear groomed. This minor procedural detail remains a focal point of public discourse as the legal proceedings continue to unfold.