A Los Angeles judge has ruled that American singer D4vd will stand trial over the alleged murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez after a five-day preliminary hearing.
The artist, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, is accused of killing the teenager. Her remains were discovered last September inside a Tesla linked to his residence.Burke, 21, has pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains.According to prosecutors, the teenager was stabbed before her body was dismembered.
They allege the killing was motivated by fears that she would expose their relationship and damage his successful music career.During the hearing, the court reviewed text messages exchanged between Burke and the teenager shortly before her death. Some of the messages allegedly contained threats made by the girl following disagreements over his friendship with another female.
Court documents also revealed that Hernandez traveled to Burke’s Hollywood home in an Uber he reportedly arranged on the day prosecutors believe she was killed.Investigators testified that the two knew each other well and had attended church together with the girl’s family.
The defense argued that Hernandez had lied about her age, claiming at different times that she was 16 and later 18.Burke’s legal team insisted there was insufficient evidence to support the charges. They argued that the girl’s parents were aware of the relationship and had previously given permission for her to travel with Burke to London.
The defense also pointed to text messages showing Burke initially discouraged Hernandez from visiting his home before eventually arranging transportation. They maintained he continued expressing concern and affection for her even after their relationship ended.Lawyers further questioned the prosecution’s evidence, noting that medical examiners could not conclusively determine how certain injuries occurred and that there was no surveillance footage placing Burke at home on the night of the alleged murder.Despite those arguments, the judge ruled that prosecutors had presented enough evidence for the case to proceed to trial.
Prosecutors also presented evidence suggesting Burke purchased body bags, chainsaws, a shovel, and an inflatable pool in the days following the teenager’s death. While forensic experts found no blood on chainsaws recovered from his garage, investigators said one additional chainsaw allegedly ordered by Burke has not been located.Following the ruling, prosecutors said they have only presented a portion of the evidence they intend to use during the trial.
They also confirmed that a decision on whether to seek the death penalty has not yet been made.Burke is scheduled to return to court on August 31, with the trial expected to begin within 90 days after that hearing.
