Judge rules singer D4vd must stand trial in killing of teen girl

In a significant development in a high-profile criminal case, a Los Angeles judge has authorized a trial for singer David Anthony Burke, known professionally as D4vd, on charges related to the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The decision follows a preliminary hearing where the court found substantial evidence supporting allegations of murder, sexual abuse, and the unlawful mutilation of human remains.

The case, which has drawn national attention, centers on the tragic killing of Rivas Hernandez, whose dismembered body was discovered in the trunk of Burke’s Tesla vehicle in the Hollywood Hills last September. Authorities launched a ten-month investigation into the circumstances surrounding the teenager’s death, which occurred just days before the release of Burke’s debut full-length album.

During the hearing, prosecutors detailed a disturbing chronology of events leading up to the girl’s death. It was revealed that Rivas Hernandez had sent threatening text messages to Burke, warning she would expose their relationship and harm his career. The exchanges escalated tensions between the two, with prosecutors alleging that Burke fatally stabbed the teen upon her arrival at his home late one night in April 2025.

Evidence presented included graphic autopsy images and descriptions of abuse, alongside communications that painted a complex and troubling relationship. Prosecutors also introduced photos showing the pair in intimate settings and revealed that Rivas Hernandez had a tattoo of Burke’s name on her finger, a digit which had been removed from her body.

The prosecution further alleged that Burke began sexually abusing Rivas Hernandez when she was just 13, well before her death at 14. It was also disclosed that the teenager had been pregnant during their relationship and had an abortion, with messages indicating Burke’s paternity.

Forensic evidence played a critical role, with investigators uncovering blood stains and DNA traces in Burke’s garage, alongside tools such as chainsaws and wading pools reportedly used in the dismemberment. The body reportedly remained in the vehicle trunk for an extended period while Burke was on tour, exacerbating the grim nature of the discovery.

Despite these allegations, Burke’s defense team challenged the sufficiency of the evidence concerning intent to kill, arguing the prosecution had not demonstrated malice required for a murder conviction. They emphasized the absence of a violent history and portrayed the communication between Burke and Rivas Hernandez as lacking threats. The defense did not propose an alternative explanation for the death but contested the medical examiner’s conclusions.

The judge’s ruling also acknowledged additional charges, including lying in wait, killing for financial gain, and the murder of a potential witness, which carry the possibility of a death sentence. Consequently, Burke remains in custody without bail as the prosecution considers whether to seek capital punishment.

The victim’s family has expressed distress over defense strategies perceived as blaming the teenager, highlighting the emotional weight carried throughout the proceedings. Meanwhile, Burke, who rose to prominence as a teenage indie-pop sensation with millions of streams on platforms like Spotify and TikTok, has maintained a composed demeanor during court appearances and entered a plea of not guilty.

An arraignment is scheduled for late August, with a trial anticipated to commence within the following two months. The case starkly contrasts the artist’s rising career trajectory against the grave criminal allegations he faces, marking a somber chapter in the intersection of music culture and criminal justice.