Key facts
- A judge ruled there is sufficient evidence for singer D4vd (David Burke) to stand trial for murder and mutilation charges.
- Prosecutors presented final texts from 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez to D4vd before her death at his home.
- The charges include murder, continuous sexual abuse of a minor, and illegal mutilation of human remains.
- Prosecutors allege D4vd met the victim when she was 11, abused her at 13, and dismembered her body after she threatened to expose their relationship.
- The defense argued insufficient evidence for murder and questioned the forensic findings.
- D4vd, 21, pleaded not guilty and remains in custody without bail.
A Los Angeles judge has ruled that US musician D4vd, whose real name is David Burke, must stand trial for the murder, sexual abuse, and mutilation of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The ruling came after prosecutors presented evidence, including final text messages from the victim, detailing the events leading up to her death at Burke's home on April 23, 2025.
Judge Charlaine Olmedo determined that the evidence presented during a five-day preliminary hearing established probable cause for the charges. Prosecutors allege that Burke met Rivas Hernandez when she was 11, began sexually abusing her at 13, and then stabbed her to death when she threatened to expose their relationship and ruin his career. They further claim he dismembered her body using chainsaws purchased for the task and transported the remains in his Tesla for months.
The defense argued that the evidence was insufficient to prove murder, with attorney Marilyn Bednarski stating there was no evidence of intent to kill and questioning the vagueness of the forensic findings. The defense is not required to present an alternative theory of death.
Burke, 21, pleaded not guilty and remained stoic as the judge issued her decision. He is being held without bail and is scheduled for arraignment on August 31. Prosecutors are reportedly considering seeking the death penalty.