Summary
- A Los Angeles judge has ruled that there is sufficient evidence for singer d4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, to stand trial in the murder case of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
- During the hearing, prosecutors also introduced text messages exchanged between Burke and Rivas Hernandez that allegedly discussed pregnancy and abortion.
- Prosecutors contend that the alleged murder was committed to prevent Rivas Hernandez from revealing details of their relationship, while the defence maintains that Burke has been wrongly accused.
A Los Angeles judge has ruled that there is sufficient evidence for singer d4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, to stand trial in the murder case of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The decision followed a five-day preliminary hearing during which prosecutors presented forensic evidence, text messages and witness testimony related to the teenager’s death. Burke has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
According to court proceedings, Burke is facing charges including first-degree murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains. Prosecutors allege he killed Rivas Hernandez in April 2025 after she threatened to expose their alleged illegal relationship, which they claim could have damaged his rapidly rising music career.
The court heard that the victim’s remains were discovered in September 2025 inside the trunk of a Tesla registered to Burke after authorities investigated a foul odour coming from the vehicle. Medical examiners later ruled the teenager’s death a homicide. Prosecutors also presented evidence they say links Burke to the crime, including DNA findings, electronic communications and purchases allegedly connected to the disposal of the body.
During the hearing, prosecutors also introduced text messages exchanged between Burke and Rivas Hernandez that allegedly discussed pregnancy and abortion. Additional evidence included explicit photographs recovered from Burke’s phone and digital accounts, which prosecutors argue support their claim that the pair had an illegal sexual relationship before the teenager’s death.
Burke’s defence team argued that prosecutors had failed to establish evidence of premeditated murder and maintained that the singer is innocent. His lawyers insisted the evidence presented does not prove he intentionally killed the teenager and said they will continue to challenge the prosecution’s case at trial. Burke has consistently denied all allegations since his arrest earlier this year.
After reviewing the evidence, the judge ruled that prosecutors had presented enough material for the case to proceed before a jury. The decision means Burke will now face a full criminal trial, where prosecutors will be required to prove their allegations beyond a reasonable doubt. He remains in custody without bail pending further proceedings.
The case has attracted widespread attention because of Burke’s rapid rise in the music industry before his arrest. Prosecutors contend that the alleged murder was committed to prevent Rivas Hernandez from revealing details of their relationship, while the defence maintains that Burke has been wrongly accused.
Burke is expected to be arraigned on August 31, with the trial likely to begin within the following weeks. Prosecutors have not yet announced whether they will seek the death penalty if he is convicted. Meanwhile, the family of Celeste Rivas Hernandez has welcomed the judge’s ruling, saying they are relieved the case will now move forward to trial.
