Singer accused of murdering 14-year-old appears in Los Angeles court for preliminary hearing

A California singer accused of killing a 14-year-old girl appeared before a Los Angeles judge Tuesday for the first day of a preliminary hearing. The defendant, who performs under the name D4vd, faces charges of murder, child sex abuse and unlawful mutilation of human remains.

Prosecutors allege the victim's unrecognizable remains were found chopped up and decomposing in the trunk of his Tesla, abandoned 400 feet from his Hollywood Hills home. A Los Angeles homicide detective testified about the scene, stating there were maggots and flies in the trunk.

The victim's parents remained in the courtroom during the testimony.

allegations Prosecutors allege the defendant first met the victim when she was 11 and began molesting her in November 2023. Court filings state the pair spent significant time together in 2024, with the defendant allegedly flying her to Las Vegas, London and Texas.

Text messages reportedly revealed the victim's jealousy over the defendant's relationships with other women, prosecutors wrote. The defendant is accused of stabbing the victim to death and then ordering an Uber for her before sending messages asking where she was.

decision pending Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman told reporters that prosecutors have not yet decided whether to seek the death penalty. The charges are death penalty eligible, though California maintains a moratorium on capital punishment.

Prosecutors expect to call about 10 witnesses during the hearing, which is expected to last three to five days. They said additional evidence would be presented at trial if the case proceeds.