Singer D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, was the focus of a preliminary hearing as prosecutors argued he had financial motives connected to the alleged killing of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.

A former Interscope Records executive testified that Burke had a multimillion-dollar recording deal as prosecutors claimed his rising career gave him a reason to silence Rivas Hernandez.

Prosecutors allege Burke killed the teenager and attempted to conceal the crime, while his defense team maintains he was not responsible for her death.

The hearing included evidence related to the condition of Rivas Hernandez’s remains and purchases prosecutors say were linked to the crime, The Guardian has reported.

Burke has pleaded not guilty and could face life in prison without parole or the death penalty if convicted of murder.