Tag

Preliminary Hearing

All articles tagged with #preliminary hearing

Tyler Robinson Bound Over for Trial in Charlie Kirk Slaying
crime1 month ago

Tyler Robinson Bound Over for Trial in Charlie Kirk Slaying

A Utah judge bound Tyler Robinson, 23, over to district court for trial on murder charges in the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk at a Utah Valley University event. During the preliminary hearing, Robinson's defense criticized Kirk as hatefully expressing views, triggering criticism from prosecutors, Kirk's family, and legal observers. The case includes a death-penalty-eligible aggravated murder charge, with a pretrial conference set for Oct. 23 and a potential trial date to be determined.

Utah judge clears path to trial in Charlie Kirk shooting as Tyler Robinson pleads not guilty
crime-and-justice1 month ago

Utah judge clears path to trial in Charlie Kirk shooting as Tyler Robinson pleads not guilty

In Provo, Utah, a judge ruled there is probable cause to move Tyler Robinson’s case to trial on seven counts, including aggravated murder, after closing arguments at a two-day preliminary hearing. Robinson pleaded not guilty; prosecutors say they will seek the death penalty if convicted. The emotional proceedings featured Kirk’s widow and parents alongside Robinson’s family, with prosecutors outlining video, DNA, surveillance footage, and incriminating texts as evidence. The defense challenged the aggravating-‘risk of death’ finding and inference-based evidence. The next court date, October 23, will set a trial date.

Seven charges push Charlie Kirk killing toward trial in Utah
crime1 month ago

Seven charges push Charlie Kirk killing toward trial in Utah

A Utah judge ruled there is probable cause to move all seven charges against Tyler Robinson toward trial in the fatal Charlie Kirk shooting, keeping the death penalty as a potential sentence. Robinson pleaded not guilty at arraignment, as prosecutors and defense debated the aggravating factor and whether the crowd posed a danger. The court also addressed media access and the handling of sensitive exhibits as the case heads to trial.

Judge rules Charlie Kirk killing case can go to trial with death penalty on the table
crime1 month ago

Judge rules Charlie Kirk killing case can go to trial with death penalty on the table

A Utah judge ruled that Tyler Robinson will stand trial on all charges for Charlie Kirk’s killing after a preliminary hearing, with prosecutors seeking the death penalty if convicted; Robinson pleaded not guilty, and the prosecution cited video, DNA, and other evidence while the defense argued there was no proof others were threatened, as the case moves toward a full trial.

Utah man seeks to bar death penalty in Charlie Kirk shooting
crime1 month ago

Utah man seeks to bar death penalty in Charlie Kirk shooting

Robinson’s lawyers ask the court to strike the aggravating factor that would make him eligible for the death penalty, arguing prosecutors haven’t shown he knew his shot would endanger others at the Charlie Kirk event; prosecutors counter that the evidence supports an enhanced penalty, with a Sept. 1 hearing scheduled to decide whether the case moves forward.

D4vd Murder Case Deepens as Motive Emerges, Key Details Remain Elusive
crime-and-courts2 months ago

D4vd Murder Case Deepens as Motive Emerges, Key Details Remain Elusive

During a five-day preliminary hearing, prosecutors revealed a complex relationship between D4vd’s David Burke and 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, including text messages about pregnancy, an abortion, and threats to expose him, which prosecutors cite as a possible motive. No murder weapon was recovered and the exact manner of the killing remains unclear, leaving room for defense arguments like self-defense or crime-of-passion. Burke’s next court date is Aug. 31 for arraignment, with trial timing uncertain; while prosecutors could seek the death penalty, California’s moratorium makes life without parole the likely outcome if convicted.

D4vd murder case advances to trial after judge finds sufficient evidence
crime-and-justice2 months ago

D4vd murder case advances to trial after judge finds sufficient evidence

A Los Angeles judge ruled there is enough evidence to move forward with the murder case against singer D4vd (David Anthony Burke) in the death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, a 14-year-old whose remains were found in Burke’s Tesla. Prosecutors presented graphic photos and text messages at the preliminary hearing to establish probable cause for trial on charges including first-degree murder, lewd acts with a minor, and mutilation of a body. Burke remains held without bail; a post-preliminary arraignment is set for Aug. 31, with a trial possible about 60 days after that date.

D4vd Texts Face Scrutiny as Teen’s Murder Heads to Trial
crime2 months ago

D4vd Texts Face Scrutiny as Teen’s Murder Heads to Trial

Prosecutors released the final messages between D4vd (David Burke) and Celeste Rivas Hernandez, then a 14-year-old, showing alleged premeditation and efforts to cover up her death after a night when she traveled to his home. Authorities say he traveled to Santa Barbara to discard evidence following her death and that he was charged with murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains; a preliminary hearing found enough evidence to move to trial. Earlier texts also revealed a pregnancy and abortion in their history. The case remains under legal proceedings as more details emerge.

D4vd Texts Surface About Pregnancy and Abortion in LA Hearing
crime-and-justice2 months ago

D4vd Texts Surface About Pregnancy and Abortion in LA Hearing

At a Los Angeles preliminary hearing, a detective testified that data from singer D4vd’s phone included private messages with Celeste Rivas Hernandez when she was 13, discussing pregnancy, abortion, and contraception. Prosecutors allege Burke (D4vd) began abusing Celeste around age 13 and later killed her in 2025, with her remains found in Burke’s Tesla. The case includes numerous explicit images; the hearing is to determine probable cause, not guilt, and Burke maintains innocence.

D4vd Murder Case: Texts Reveal Abortions in Teen’s Relationship Across Court Hearing
crime2 months ago

D4vd Murder Case: Texts Reveal Abortions in Teen’s Relationship Across Court Hearing

In Los Angeles, singer D4vd (David Burke) is charged with murder, continuous sexual abuse of a minor, and mutilation after 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez was found dismembered in the trunk of his Tesla. A preliminary hearing revealed text messages from Celeste’s age 11 to 13 discussing abortion, contraception, and a sexual relationship, alongside images; the medical examiner described fatal penetrating injuries and dismemberment. Prosecutors say he killed her to protect his career, while his lawyers vow to vigorously defend him. The judge will determine if there is probable cause to proceed to trial; there is no jury yet, with proceedings continuing.

D4vd Case: Prosecutors Detail Abortion-Tied Abuse of Minor in Murder Probe
crime2 months ago

D4vd Case: Prosecutors Detail Abortion-Tied Abuse of Minor in Murder Probe

During a Los Angeles preliminary hearing, prosecutors presented hundreds of photos and messages from D4vd’s phone alleging he sexually abused Celeste Rivas Hernandez, who was a minor, and discussed an abortion. The materials, plus other evidence, are part of the case accusing him of killing and dismembering Hernandez; the judge will decide if there is enough evidence to proceed to trial. If convicted, Burke could face life in prison without parole or the death penalty, though prosecutors have not indicated they will seek capital punishment.

Forensic Clues Tie D4vd to Teen Victim as Hearing Proceeds
crime2 months ago

Forensic Clues Tie D4vd to Teen Victim as Hearing Proceeds

A LAPD criminalist testified that DNA from stains found in D4vd's Hollywood Hills home and on items in the garage matched 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose dismembered remains were found in the front trunk of the singer's Tesla, as a preliminary hearing weighs whether he should stand trial on capital murder and related charges, including lying in wait, murder for financial gain, and murder of a witness, along with counts of continuous sexual abuse of a child and mutilation of human remains.

Phone and Tesla Trails Tie Suspect to Santa Barbara Site in Celeste Case
crime2 months ago

Phone and Tesla Trails Tie Suspect to Santa Barbara Site in Celeste Case

Prosecutors in D4vd's preliminary hearing laid out a timeline tying the suspect to Celeste Rivas Hernandez via a chilling call, the degraded clothing recovered, and cellphone/Tesla data showing synchronized movements toward a remote Santa Barbara area, with forensic testimony on trace evidence from Celeste's clothing as they pursue probable-cause for charges including first-degree murder, lewd acts upon a child under 14 and unlawful mutilation of human remains.

Garage blood evidence puts D4vd’s case in the spotlight as preliminary hearing proceeds
crime2 months ago

Garage blood evidence puts D4vd’s case in the spotlight as preliminary hearing proceeds

Prosecutors allege D4vd (David Burke) killed 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, dismembered her with a chainsaw and disposed of the body after cleaning his Hollywood Hills garage; a LAPD criminologist testified blood was found on gym mats and flooring with victim DNA matching evidence recovered elsewhere, while Burke pleads not guilty to murder, continuous sexual abuse of a minor, and mutilating a corpse. The ongoing preliminary hearing will decide if there is enough evidence to go to trial, where a conviction could mean life without parole or the death penalty; defense notes the blood test was not definitive.

Tesla Littered With Air Fresheners as D4vd Case Heads to Trial
crime2 months ago

Tesla Littered With Air Fresheners as D4vd Case Heads to Trial

During a Los Angeles preliminary hearing, investigators testified that D4vd (David Burke) had at least 11 air fresheners in his Tesla where the decomposed body of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez was found; blood and victim DNA were detected in the car and a garage, fueling prosecutors’ claim that Burke murdered and dismembered the girl to protect his career. Burke pleads not guilty, and the hearing is expected to continue with further testing and testimony to determine if the case will go to trial.