A judge has ruled that US musician D4vd will go on trial for murder over the death of a teenage girl. The decision came after a five-day preliminary hearing, in which Los Angeles prosecutors questioned a dozen witnesses and displayed photographic evidence as 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez's family watched on.
The star, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, is accused of killing the girl, whose remains were found last September in a Tesla registered to his address. Burke, 21, has pleaded not guilty to charges of murdering and sexually abusing her.
What happens next in the case?
Burke's arraignment is scheduled for 31 August. The trial is to start within 90 days of that date.
Prosecutors have alleged Burke stabbed the teen before dismembering her body after years of alleged sexual abuse. They allege he killed her because the teen had threatened to reveal his relationship with a minor and destroy his multi-million dollar music career.
What evidence was read in court?
Evidence read in court on Monday showed threats Celeste made to Burke on 22 April 2025, stemming from arguments about his friendship with another girl.
“I swear to GOD I will kill u”
“i will end ur career and ur life I will damage anything”
One expletive-laden text said, followed by a threat to strangle him and tell her dad lies about him. The following day, Hernandez went to Burke's Hollywood home in an Uber he had sent to pick her up. Prosecutors alleged that Burke stabbed her once she arrived.
What else are prosecutors alleging?
Prosecutors say Burke killed Hernandez after years of alleged sexual abuse and because she had threatened to expose their relationship. They allege he then dismembered her body after stabbing her.
Key Facts
- US musician D4vd, legal name David Anthony Burke, has been ordered to stand trial for murder.
- The decision followed a five-day preliminary hearing in Los Angeles.
- Celeste Rivas Hernandez, 14, was found last September in a Tesla registered to Burke's address.
- Burke, 21, has pleaded not guilty to murder and sexual abuse charges.
- His arraignment is set for 31 August, with trial due within 90 days.
