Way cleared for pop singer D4vd to stand trial on murder, mutilation charges

CHAIN SAWS AND SWIMMING POOL

In a court brief filed the following week, prosecutors first detailed the gruesome manner in which they said Burke killed the victim and disposed of her body, as well as his alleged motives.

The DA’s office said Burke acted in fear she would ruin his burgeoning showbiz career after she threatened out of jealousy to go public with damaging information about their sexual relationship, which prosecutors say began when she was 13.

Financial manager Benjamin Greger testified during this week’s preliminary hearing that Burke, his sole entertainment client, had grossed earnings of US$10 million to US$11 million from 2023 to 2025, following his Interscope deal.

The accusation of murder for financial gain is among the special circumstances included in the charges making Burke potentially liable for the death sentence. Another alleges he did so because the victim was a witness to a crime.

On Apr 23, 2025, one day after Burke and the girl had quarreled over her threats to expose him, according to prosecutors, he hailed her an Uber ride to his Hollywood Hills home, then stabbed the victim to death after she arrived.

During their evidentiary hearing, the prosecution displayed photos of three chain saws, a shovel, and other items they said Burke had purchased online under a fictitious name and had delivered to his home after the killing on Apr 23, 2025.