LOS ANGELES — Following a dramatic five-day preliminary hearing, a Los Angeles judge ruled Monday that indie-pop singer D4vd must stand trial for the murder and dismemberment of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo determined that prosecutors presented sufficient evidence to establish probable cause across all counts against the 21-year-old artist, whose legal name is David Burke. Burke faces charges including first-degree murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains.
A Timeline of the Final Hours
During the final day of hearings, prosecutors detailed a minute-by-minute account of Rivas Hernandez’s movements on April 23, 2025. According to court exhibits, the teenager traveled to Burke’s Hollywood residence via an Uber rideshare arranged by the singer. Moments before arriving, she transmitted her final text message: “girly pop i’m almost there open ur door if ur home.”
Investigators allege Burke fatally stabbed the victim shortly after she entered the property. Prosecutors argued the killing stemmed from a bitter dispute over text messages the preceding night regarding Burke’s association with another woman. Court documents show Rivas Hernandez threatened to expose their multi-year relationship, writing that she would “end ur career and ur life.”
Forensic Evidence and Defense Arguments
State prosecutors introduced extensive digital and forensic evidence, including purchase records for chainsaws and inflatable pools allegedly used to dismantle the body in the garage, alongside DNA matching the victim on recovery bloodstains. Authorities stated Rivas Hernandez’s remains were ultimately discovered in September 2025 inside the trunk of a Tesla registered to Burke after the vehicle was towed from the Hollywood Hills.
The defense maintained that the evidence failed to prove premeditated intent or homicidal malice. Defense counsel argued that the medical examiner’s findings regarding puncture wounds were inconclusive and emphasized that communications showed no prior history of physical violence.
Burke, who has pleaded not guilty to all charges, remains held without bail. An arraignment is scheduled for August 31, with trial proceedings expected to commence within the coming months.
D4vd to stand trial for 14-year-old girl’s murder, judge rules
This video provides a news broadcast summary of the judge’s ruling and the details surrounding the preliminary hearing.
Do you want to advertise with us?
Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event?
Contact us on WhatsApp +2348033617468, +234 816 612 1513, +234 703 010 7174
or Email: validviewnetwork@gmail.com
CLICK TO JOIN OUR WHATSAPP GROUP
