A Los Angeles judge has ruled that US musician D4vd, legally known as David Anthony Burke, will go on trial for the murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. This decision follows a five-day preliminary hearing where prosecutors presented evidence and questioned a dozen witnesses. Hernandez's remains were discovered last September in a Tesla registered to Burke's address.
Prosecutors allege Burke, 21, stabbed the teenager and then dismembered her body. They claim this occurred after years of alleged sexual abuse. The motive, according to prosecutors, was Hernandez's threat to reveal their relationship, which she believed would destroy his multi-million dollar music career. Burke has pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains.
This case highlights the serious legal challenges faced by public figures, particularly when allegations involve minors. The music industry often sees its stars under intense public scrutiny, and such high-profile criminal charges can have significant career and financial repercussions. The legal proceedings will undoubtedly draw considerable media attention, impacting Burke's professional standing and potential earnings.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman stated that his office presented only a fraction of its evidence during the preliminary hearing. He confirmed that all evidence would be presented during the upcoming trial. Hochman also noted that his office has not yet decided whether to pursue the death penalty against Burke.
The trial is scheduled to commence within 90 days of Burke's arraignment, which is set for August 31. This timeline means the legal battle will unfold in the coming months, with significant implications for all parties involved. Decision-makers in the entertainment industry and legal observers will closely watch the proceedings, given the high-profile nature of the accused and the gravity of the charges.
During the preliminary hearing, Detective Corey Farrell of the Los Angeles Police Department testified about text messages between Burke and Hernandez. These messages indicated they had attended church with her family. The defense, however, highlighted texts from April 22 and 23, 2025, suggesting Hernandez insisted on going to Burke's Hollywood Hills home. Burke had initially argued against her visit but eventually sent an Uber to pick her up on the night of April 23.
Defense attorney Marilyn Bednarski argued there was insufficient evidence to prove Burke committed the crime. She pointed to the medical examiner's inability to determine how two penetrating wounds on the girl occurred. The defense also noted the lack of surveillance video showing Burke at home on the night of April 23. Detective Farrell acknowledged that Hernandez had misrepresented her age to Burke, telling him she was 16 and 18 at different times.
Judge Charlaine Olmedo, however, ruled that the evidence presented provided probable cause for a trial. She found that prosecutors met the burden for all counts, including murder with special circumstances. These special circumstances included lying in wait, a motive for financial gain, and eliminating a witness. The legal process will now move to the trial phase, where a jury will ultimately decide Burke's fate.