LOS ANGELES (AP) — A judge has ruled there is enough evidence to put singer D4vd on trial for the murder and dismemberment of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Authorities say she threatened to expose their relationship, potentially damaging his career.
Los Angeles judge Charlaine Olmedo decided after a five-day preliminary hearing that the prosecutors presented sufficient evidence to proceed to trial. Charges include murder, continuous sexual abuse of a minor under 14, and illegal mutilation of human remains.
Evidence Presented
According to Judge Olmedo, the prosecution met the burden of proof for each charge. David Burke, known professionally as D4vd, is being held without bail. The 21-year-old singer had been gaining popularity before the accusations surfaced. Burke pleaded not guilty and remained emotionless during the judge’s statement. Defense attorneys declined to comment outside the court.
Olmedo highlighted that the probable cause standard in this preliminary hearing is much lower than in a full trial. Nevertheless, prosecutors argued the evidence was compelling.
District Attorney Nathan Hochman mentioned they are still considering seeking the death penalty. Burke’s arraignment is scheduled for August 31.
Timeline of Events
Prosecutors detailed the final night of Rivas Hernandez’s life, revealing that after exchanging text messages with Burke, her phone remained silent after 10 a.m. on April 23, 2025. She was travelling by Uber, arranged by Burke, to her Hollywood home. Her last message said she was almost there.
“I’ll end your career and your life,” Rivas Hernandez allegedly texted Burke during a dispute about his relationship with another woman.
Prosecutors claimed Burke stabbed her when she entered his home. They reported he met her at 11, began abusing her sexually at 13, and killed her when she threatened his career. Evidence includes orders for chainsaws and kiddie pools allegedly used for body dismemberment, with Burke’s DNA found at the crime scene.
Authorities reported he drove for weeks or months with the body in his car, a Tesla, found decomposing after being towed from Hollywood Hills.
Defense Response
The defense argued insufficient evidence for the murder charge. Lawyer Marilyn Bednarski claimed there was no intent to kill. Communications lacked threats or violence, suggesting no homicidal intent.
The defense showed more texts from Rivas Hernandez threatening to tell Burke’s family and friends about their relationship. They stated she requested to visit multiple times before her death. Burke agreed reluctantly and refused her entry. The defense contended her actions, not Burke’s, were malicious.
Prosecutor Beth Silverman accused the defense of vilifying the minor victim.
Both families, aware of the relationship, granted permission for Rivas Hernandez to travel to London with Burke.
Alleged Cover-Up
Prosecutors alleged Burke’s messages sent after the silence of Rivas Hernandez’s phone were deceiving. They contended he dismembered her body, with police analysis matching DNA samples to her.
The decaying body was discovered almost five months later in Burke’s car, parked near his Hollywood residence. Surveillance indicated he last drove it.
Detections of Sexual Abuse
Detective testimonies described explicit photos and text exchanges documenting abuse, including a 2024 abortion when Rivas Hernandez was 13.
D4vd’s Rising Career
D4vd, pronounced ‘David’, became an internet sensation with music blending indie rock, R&B, and pop. He amassed followers on TikTok, Soundcloud, and Spotify, where his breakout hit “Romantic Homicide” reached over a billion streams.
He performed at Coachella in 2024, releasing his album “Withered” two days after Rivas Hernandez’s alleged murder.