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Judge rules D4vd must stand trial in Celeste Rivas Hernandez killing

newsJul 27, 202628203

Los Angeles Judge Charlaine Olmedo ruled Monday there is enough evidence to send singer D4vd, legal name David Anthony Burke, to trial in the killing and dismemberment of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Prosecutors presented five days of evidence including autopsy photos, explicit descriptions of sexual abuse, and the last text messages from Rivas Hernandez, one reading "i will end ur career and ur life," sent the night before her death. The body was found decomposing in the trunk of Burke’s Tesla in the Hollywood Hills in September, triggering a 10-month investigation. Olmedo found probable cause for murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14 and unlawful mutilation of human remains, and for special circumstances including lying in wait, killing for financial gain and killing a potential witness, which make Burke death-penalty eligible. Burke, 21, has pleaded not guilty; his lawyers argued the murder evidence was insufficient but did not contest the other charges. The judge ordered Burke held without bail; an arraignment is set for Aug. 31 and a trial could begin about 60 days later. Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman said prosecutors have presented only a "small fraction" of their evidence and are still weighing whether to seek the death penalty.

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