Case Against D4vd, Singer Accused of Murdering Teen, Will Go to Trial

A Los Angeles judge has decided that singer David Anthony Burke, known professionally as D4vd, will proceed to trial on charges related to the death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, who was 14 at the time of her death. The ruling followed a preliminary hearing in which prosecutors presented evidence they deemed sufficient to support multiple charges, including first-degree murder.

The hearing, spanning five days, culminated with Judge Charlaine Olmedo concluding that prosecutors met their burden of proof to move forward. Burke’s re-arraignment is scheduled for August 31. The case has drawn significant attention due to the serious nature of the allegations and Burke’s public profile.

Prosecutors have depicted Burke as an adult who engaged in a calculated pattern of sexual abuse against Rivas. Deputy District Attorney Beth Silverman described the relationship as one where Burke groomed and manipulated the minor, using emotional coercion to maintain control. According to the prosecution, this abuse culminated in murder, allegedly motivated by Burke’s desire to prevent Rivas from exposing the abuse and to gain financially.

Evidence presented includes a series of text messages between Burke and Rivas, which prosecutors say reveal discussions about contraception, pregnancy, and abortion, highlighting the abusive dynamic. Even after Burke ended the romantic relationship in late 2024, prosecutors contend that he continued to exploit Rivas sexually. The messages also reportedly expose the severe emotional distress experienced by the teenager.

In response, Burke’s defense team challenged the prosecution’s narrative. Attorney Marilyn Bednarski argued that the evidence does not conclusively demonstrate premeditation or intent to kill, pointing out that Rivas had voluntarily visited Burke’s home on the night she died. The defense further emphasized text exchanges that express affection between Burke and Rivas, suggesting a more complex relationship than prosecutors claimed.

The defense also contested the interpretation of forensic evidence, particularly the medical examiner’s findings. They highlighted that while Rivas died from penetrating wounds, the examiner could not definitively rule out the possibility that these injuries occurred post-mortem. Bednarski underscored that dismemberment of Rivas’ body, which occurred after death, should not be used to infer intent to kill.

Additional charges against Burke include continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14 and unlawful mutilation of human remains. Prosecutors allege Burke dismembered Rivas’ body using a chainsaw and concealed her remains in his vehicle, intensifying the gravity of the case.

During cross-examination, defense attorneys sought to introduce information about Rivas’ volatile behavior and mental health struggles, including her expressed suicidal thoughts and jealousy related to Burke’s interactions with another woman. However, the judge limited the scope of some of these inquiries, deeming certain questions irrelevant.

The involvement of Rivas’ family has also been a point of focus. Evidence shows that her parents were aware of her association with Burke, even granting permission for her to travel with him to London in 2024. Despite this, the family expressed strong objection to defense claims suggesting Rivas might have contributed to her own death, condemning such insinuations as deeply distressing.

As the case moves toward trial, the music community and public await further developments in a matter that intertwines serious criminal allegations with the tragic loss of a young life. Details remain limited as legal proceedings continue, but the court’s decision to proceed reflects the severity of the accusations against the artist known as D4vd.