LOS ANGELES (AP) — A judge ruled on Monday that there is sufficient evidence to put the indie-pop singer D4vd, whose legal name is David Burke, on trial for the murder and dismemberment of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Authorities allege that Rivas Hernandez threatened to expose their controversial relationship, which could jeopardize D4vd's rising career just days before the release of his debut album.
In an ominous text message sent the night before her death, Rivas Hernandez warned, "i will end ur career and ur life." This strong statement was part of the evidence presented during a five-day preliminary hearing that moved Judge Charlaine Olmedo to find probable cause for a trial on multiple charges, including murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains.
The gruesome details unveiled in court, including autopsy photos and harrowing descriptions of abuse, elicited visceral reactions from the audience. D4vd's dispassionate demeanor during the proceedings raised eyebrows as he sat quietly, clad in orange jail attire. He has pleaded not guilty to the murder charge, although his defense did not contest the other two charges, opting instead to argue that the evidence was insufficient for a murder conviction.
Deputy District Attorney Beth Silverman responded forcefully, asserting that the evidence overwhelmingly supported the prosecution's case. Outside court, Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman noted that the prosecution had only presented a fraction of their evidence thus far. He hinted at the possibility of seeking the death penalty for Burke, given that the judge found probable cause for several special circumstances associated with the crime, including lying in wait and killing a potential witness.
The investigation began in September when authorities discovered the dismembered remains of Rivas Hernandez in the trunk of D4vd's Tesla while he was on tour. The timeline of Rivas Hernandez's last night was meticulously detailed by prosecutors, indicating that she arrived at D4vd's home around 10 p.m. on April 23, 2025. They argued that he fatally stabbed her upon her arrival, following a series of tempestuous messages exchanged between the two leading up to her death.
Burke and Rivas Hernandez's relationship reportedly began when she was just 11 years old and continued to evolve in a troubling manner, with evidence suggesting he sexually abused her from the age of 13. Prosecutors depicted a disturbing picture of their interactions, including messages regarding her pregnancy and subsequent abortion. The defense contended that there was no clear malicious intent to kill and that a medical examiner's ruling on her death as a homicide was insufficient evidence of murder.
Burke's defense also raised issues concerning Rivas Hernandez's behavior, noting that she had previously threatened him and sought to visit him multiple times in the days preceding her death. They argued that the evidence presented was part of a strategy to vilify a minor victim, which drew strong condemnation from Rivas Hernandez’s family and their attorney.
D4vd's rise to fame had been meteoric, with a significant following across social media platforms. He gained popularity with his music, particularly the hit single "Romantic Homicide," and performed at prestigious events like the 2024 Coachella music festival, marking a successful year leading up to the tragedy.
As the case progresses toward an arraignment set for August 31, with a trial potentially occurring within 60 days, the public attention on the case grows, reflecting the disturbing implications of the allegations against Burke.
