Judge rules D4vd will stand trial in killing of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez
Warning: This article contains content that some readers may find distressing.
A judge has ruled that singer D4vd will stand trial in the killing and dismemberment of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
The 21-year-old, real name David Burke, is charged with murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under the age of 14 and unlawful mutilation of human remains.
Last week, a preliminary hearing got underway in a Los Angeles courtroom to determine whether the case should go to trial.
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During the five-day hearing, prosecutors presented evidence including gruesome photos of the teens' remains that were discovered in the front trunk of a Tesla registered to the singer, and text messages between the pair.
Riva’s family attended the hearing and sat just feet away from Burke while graphic evidence was displayed on screens.
As well as allowing the prosecution to make their arguments, Burke’s legal team were also able to defend their client and question witnesses during the five-day hearing.
With the hearing now wrapped up, today (Monday 27 July), Los Angeles Judge Charlaine Olmedo ruled that there is enough evidence to bring the case to trial
“The people have met their burden on all counts,” Olmedo said.
She ordered that Burke continue to be held without bail.
Ms Olmedo emphasised that the probable cause standard for a preliminary hearing like this is much lower than the threshold at trial.
However, prosecutors asserted the evidence was overwhelming.
Deputy District Attorney Beth Silverman said: “Based on the mountains of evidence presented all of the allegations have been proved way beyond the standard required”.
Burke had no visible reaction to the decision.
The defence declined to comment outside court.
During the hearing, prosecutors alleged the two began communicating in August 2022, when Rivas was 11 years old and later began a sexual relationship in November 2023 when she was 13 and he was 18.
Prosecutors claim that the singer killed the 14-year-old after she threatened to expose their relationship.
Prosecutors on Monday wrapped up their case by giving a moment-by-moment account of Riva's final night, showing that after a stream of text messages with Burke, her phone went permanently silent when she arrived at his home.
As she neared his Hollywood home shortly after 10am on 23 April, 2025, in an Uber he had sent to pick her up, she sent her final text: “girly pop i’m almost there open ur door if ur home.”
Prosecutors allege Burke stabbed her to death when she came through the door.
The night before, the two argued via text about his relationship with a woman. She sent him an angry and profane text saying she will tell her dad so many lies about him and “i will end ur career and ur life.”
In a statement earlier this year, Burke’s legal representative said he is innocent.
They said: "Let us be clear - the actual evidence in this case will show that David Burke did not murder Celeste Rivas Hernandez and he was not the cause of her death."
They added: "We will vigorously defend David’s innocence."
If convicted, Burke may face the death penalty or life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Topics: US News
Claire Reid