D4vd Ordered to Stand Trial Over Murder of 14-Year-Old Girl in Los Angeles

American singer and songwriter D4vd, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, has been ordered to stand trial on multiple felony charges, including first-degree murder, child sexual abuse, and unlawful mutilation of human remains, in connection with the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.

The decision came after a multi-day preliminary hearing in a Los Angeles court, where prosecutors presented evidence they say links the 21-year-old musician to the teenager’s death.

Judge Finds Enough Evidence for Criminal Trial

Superior Court Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo ruled that prosecutors had presented sufficient evidence to establish probable cause for the case to proceed to trial.

According to prosecutors, Burke fatally stabbed Celeste Rivas Hernandez before allegedly dismembering her body. Authorities further claim the incident occurred in April 2025, although the victim’s remains were not discovered until several months later.

Investigators reportedly found the teenager’s decomposed remains inside the front trunk of a Tesla registered to Burke.

Prosecutors Allege the Killing Was Meant to Silence the Victim

Court documents state that prosecutors believe Burke entered into an illegal sexual relationship with the victim when she was 13 years old while he was 18.

They allege the teenager was killed after threatening to reveal details of the relationship.

These allegations form a central part of the prosecution’s case as it prepares for trial.

Singer Arrested After Months-Long Investigation

Burke was arrested on April 16, 2026, at his Los Angeles residence following what authorities described as a seven-month investigation.

The investigation involved detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department alongside prosecutors from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.

Following his arrest, Burke was remanded in custody at the Men’s Central Jail in Los Angeles, where he remains without bail.

Defence Denies Murder Allegations

Burke has pleaded not guilty to every charge filed against him.

His defence team maintains that he was not responsible for the teenager’s death and disputes several key claims made by prosecutors.

During the preliminary hearing, defence lawyers argued that the victim allegedly misrepresented her age to Burke. They also claimed members of her family were aware of the relationship and cited travel documents and previous interactions between the family and the singer in support of their argument.

The defence further referenced text messages they say were sent by the teenager to Burke before she arrived at his residence.

These claims remain part of the defence’s case and have not been proven in court.

Trial Moves Forward as Burke Remains in Custody

With the preliminary hearing completed, the case will now move toward trial.

Burke will remain in custody without bail while awaiting his next court appearance.

If convicted of the most serious charges, he could face life imprisonment. Prosecutors will now seek to prove their case before a jury, while Burke continues to maintain his innocence.

The criminal proceedings remain ongoing, and no verdict has been reached.