Judge rules there’s enough evidence for Grammy-nominated artist D4vd to face trial in the heartbreaking death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The decision came after a preliminary hearing where prosecutors laid out what they called a mountain of evidence.
David Burke, the 21-year-old musician known as D4vd, was charged in April with murder, continuous sexual 𝓪𝓫𝓾𝓼𝓮 of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains. Authorities say the teen’s body was found dismembered and decomposing inside a Tesla believed to belong to Burke.
During the hearing, prosecutors reportedly showed photos of the remains and a detective testified that Burke allegedly used an alias to order supplies including chainsaws, a body bag, and an inflatable pool. The alleged texts between Burke and the victim were also shared.
According to the Associated Press, the day before the alleged murder, the two argued over text. Rivas Hernandez reportedly wrote, “i will end ur career and ur life.” Prosecutors claim Burke killed her over fears the relationship—reportedly beginning when she was 13 and he was 18—would be 𝓮𝔁𝓹𝓸𝓼𝓮𝓭 and ruin his career.
Burke’s defense argued that the medical examiner couldn’t conclusively determine a cause of death, and that Rivas Hernandez acted with malice, not their client. But Judge Charlaine Olmedo ruled on July 27 that the evidence meets the standard for trial, saying, “The people have met their burden on all counts.”
Deputy District Attorney Beth Silverman told the AP, “Based on the mountains of evidence presented, all of the allegations have been proved way beyond the standard required.” Burke remains in custody without bail.
With a trial now officially on the horizon, what will the full story reveal about what really happened between the rising star and the young girl?