D4vd murder case: Singer to stand trial on charges over 14-year-old girl's death

David Burke, known professionally as D4vd, is set to undergo trial after a judge in Los Angeles found sufficient evidence to proceed with charges connected to the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The decision follows an extensive preliminary hearing marked by graphic testimony and forensic detail.

Burke was apprehended in April 2025 and charged with first-degree murder, sexual abuse of a child, and unlawful mutilation of human remains. He maintains a plea of not guilty on all counts. The arraignment following the preliminaries is scheduled for late August, with a trial anticipated to commence within approximately three months.

Prosecutors allege a illicit relationship developed between Burke, then 18, and Rivas Hernandez, who was 13 at the time. Authorities claim that the victim threatened to expose the relationship, potentially impacting Burke’s burgeoning music career. The critical incident reportedly occurred on April 23, 2025, when Rivas Hernandez was last seen entering an Uber heading to Burke’s residence in Hollywood Hills.

Evidence presented at the hearing included disturbing accounts from law enforcement personnel who described the discovery of Rivas Hernandez’s remains in a decomposed state. The body was found dismembered inside the front trunk of Burke’s impounded Tesla in September 2025. Items such as dental records and forensic analysis helped confirm the identity of the victim.

The investigation unveiled a series of attempts to obscure the crime scene, including the use of multiple air fresheners within the vehicle. Additionally, prosecutors detailed purchases of chainsaws and other equipment under an alias, which they contend were used in the dismemberment process. Forensic experts testified about blood evidence found on a garage floor mat and damage to an inflatable pool linked to the residence.

Cell phone records indicated multiple trips between Burke’s home and a remote location in Santa Barbara County, where evidence related to the case was later located. Text messages and explicit photographs recovered from Burke’s digital devices were introduced, depicting an illegal sexual relationship and interactions between the accused and victim.

During the hearing, the court was presented with the victim’s final text messages, sent shortly before arriving at Burke’s home. These messages were followed by a cessation of communication, while Burke continued to send messages in the days thereafter, which prosecutors suggest were part of an effort to conceal the crime.

Burke’s defense team has stated their intention to vigorously contest the charges, asserting their client’s innocence and disputing any involvement in Rivas Hernandez’s death. Meanwhile, the family of the victim expressed a sense of relief that the case is moving forward toward trial and acknowledged the work of law enforcement and prosecutors.

At this stage, prosecutors have not confirmed whether they will seek the death penalty. The case remains high profile due to Burke’s rising fame and the serious nature of the allegations, drawing significant public and media attention. Further developments will emerge as the trial date approaches and more evidence is formally presented in court.