A judge in Los Angeles has ruled that musician D4vd, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, will go on trial for the murder of 14‑year‑old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The decision followed a five‑day preliminary hearing where prosecutors questioned witnesses and showed photographic evidence while her family watched.
The song‑writer, 21, stands accused of stabbing and dismembering the teen inside a Tesla that was registered to his address. Prosecutors also charge him with sexual abuse, arguing that Hernandez threatened to expose his relationship with a minor and to ruin his multi‑million dollar music career.
Burke has pleaded not guilty. He will be arraigned on 31 August, after which the trial is expected to begin within 90 days. Evidence introduced at the preliminary hearing included text messages from the victim that read I swear to GOD I will kill u followed by threats to strangle him and threaten his career; the texts showed that Hernandez threatened the singer after arguing about a friendship with another girl. On the following day, Hernandez was taken to Burke’s Hollywood home in an Uber he had arranged and was allegedly stabbed once she arrived.
The case has drawn national attention, with the public following the proceedings closely and the music industry reacting to the implications of a star’s alleged violent conduct. The court will now decide whether D4vd faces a state murder conviction that could carry a lengthy prison sentence.
