A Los Angeles judge has ordered that US musician David Anthony Burke, popularly known as D4vd, face trial on charges related to the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.

The decision followed a five-day preliminary hearing during which prosecutors presented testimonies from a dozen witnesses and photographic evidence to support allegations against Burke.

Case Details

  • Burke, aged 21, is accused of murdering and sexually abusing Hernandez.
  • The teenager's remains were discovered last September inside a Tesla registered to Burke's residence.
  • Prosecutors claim Burke stabbed Hernandez before dismembering her body, motivated by her threats to expose their relationship and damage his music career.
  • Text messages from April 2025 revealed Hernandez threatening Burke with violence and career ruin amid disputes over his association with another girl.
  • Hernandez reportedly traveled to Burke's Hollywood home via Uber on April 23, where the alleged stabbing occurred.

Legal Arguments

  • Detective Corey Farrell testified that the defendant and victim had attended church together with Hernandez's family.
  • The defence argued insufficient evidence exists to link Burke conclusively to the crime, noting parental awareness and consent for Hernandez's travel with Burke.
  • Defence highlighted texts suggesting Hernandez insisted on visiting Burke’s home and that Burke initially resisted but later arranged her transport.
  • They also cited the medical examiner's inability to determine how the wounds were inflicted and absence of surveillance footage placing Burke at home on the night in question.

Judge's Ruling and Next Steps

Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo found probable cause to proceed to trial, stating the prosecution met their burden on all counts, including murder with special circumstances such as lying in wait, financial motive, and witness elimination.

Burke faces charges of murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains.

District Attorney Nathan Hochman indicated that the prosecution has only presented a portion of their evidence and has yet to decide on seeking the death penalty.