Singer D4vd to Face Trial for Murder and Dismemberment

A judge ruled on Monday that there is enough evidence to bring singer D4vd to trial for the death and dismemberment of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The incident occurred after she allegedly threatened to expose their relationship and jeopardize his career, according to authorities.

Los Angeles Judge Charlaine Olmedo found that the evidence presented by prosecutors during a five-day preliminary hearing provided probable cause for a trial on charges of murder, continuous sexual abuse of a minor under 14, and illegal mutilation of human remains.

The prosecution has met its burden for all charges,

Olmedo stated. She ordered that David Burke, known as D4vd, remain in custody without bail.

Burke, 21, had a rising career before the allegations surfaced. He pleaded not guilty and showed no emotion when the ruling was delivered. Defense attorneys declined to comment outside the court.

Olmedo highlighted that the probable cause standard for this preliminary hearing is lower than the threshold at trial. However, prosecutors argued that the evidence was overwhelming.

Deputy District Attorney Beth Silverman stated: Based on the mountains of evidence presented, all the allegations have been proven well beyond the required standard. Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman mentioned that prosecutors are still considering seeking the death penalty. Burke is scheduled for arraignment on August 31.

Prosecutors closed their case on Monday by presenting a minute-by-minute account of Rivas Hernandez’s final night, illustrating that after a series of text exchanges, her phone went silent upon reaching her home.

At about 10 a.m. on April 23, 2025, she sent her last text while approaching her house in Hollywood via an Uber arranged by Burke: I’m almost there; open the door if you’re home. Prosecutors allege Burke fatally stabbed her upon her arrival.

The previous night, they argued over his relationship with another woman, with Rivas Hernandez sending heated messages threatening to ruin his career and life.

Prosecutors say Burke met Rivas Hernandez when she was 11, began sexually abusing her at 13, and stabbed her when she threatened to expose him. He allegedly dismembered her body with chainsaws he purchased and stored in his garage.

They presented evidence showing Burke ordered chainsaws and kiddie pools used for dismemberment, with his DNA found on bloodstains in the garage discovered during a police search.

The prosecution claimed he even drove around with the body in his car for weeks. The decomposed body was found in his registered Tesla four months later.

Defense Argues Insufficient Evidence

After the final witness on Monday, the defense argued for dismissal due to insufficient evidence. Defense attorney Marilyn Bednarski asserted: There is no evidence Mr. Burke harbored a deliberate intent to kill Miss Hernandez.

She argued the forensic ruling of homicide by two stab wounds was too vague to prove murder and stated that there was no evidence of prior threats or violence.

She also presented texts from Rivas Hernandez threatening to expose Burke’s relationships and share information with his mother and friends.

Under cross-examination, Berk evidenced that she never threatened police action and had demanded to see Burke multiple times before the incident, which he conceded reluctantly.

The defense claimed any malice came from her side. Silverman criticized attempts to tarnish the minor victim.

A detective testified the parents knew about their relationship and allowed a trip to London, sanctioning her company’s implications.

Prosecution Alleges Immediate Cover-up

After her phone went silent, Burke sent texts feigning concern to mislead, according to prosecutors.

They claimed he dismembered her in his garage as police forensic matched biological samples to her DNA.

The remains were discovered almost five months later in his Tesla.

Photographic Evidence Detailed

During prior testimony, Farrell described explicit photos and messages exchanged between Burke and Rivas Hernandez, including discussions about an abortion she underwent at 13.

Images so disturbing caused Rivas Hernandez’s mother to leave the courtroom in tears but returned for further proceedings.

D4vd’s Career Impact

D4vd gained musical fame as a teen through indie rock, R&B, and lo-fi pop, attracting millions on TikTok and Spotify. His tracks, including the 2022 hit Romantic Homicide, reached over a billion streams.

He performed at Coachella 2024 and released his debut album Withered, just days following the alleged murder.