Judge rules singer D4vd must stand trial in killing of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez
Prosecutors presented forensic, digital and financial evidence tying the singer to the teen’s death, and the judge found enough cause for a jury trial.
- The preliminary hearing for American singer D4vd, legally named David Anthony Burke, concludes Monday in Los Angeles as a judge determines whether sufficient evidence exists to proceed with trial in the murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
- Prosecutors allege Burke killed Hernandez to protect his $13 million music career after she threatened to expose their secret sexual relationship, claiming he arranged for her visit to his Hollywood Hills home on April 23, 2025.
- LAPD criminalists matched DNA from bloodstains in Burke's garage and his Tesla to Hernandez, whose remains were discovered inside two bags in the vehicle's "frunk" last September; blue plastic fragments found on the victim matched a pool in his garage.
- Defense attorneys maintain Burke's innocence, arguing evidence is circumstantial, while the hearing's graphic nature caused the victim's parents to leave the courtroom mid-testimony; Burke remained "stoic" throughout proceedings.
- Over the weekend, hackers compromised Burke's official Apple Music profile with an unauthorized track referencing the victim, while prosecutors presented cell tower data linking Burke to a site where Hernandez's passport card was discovered.
198 Articles
198 Articles
In April, U.S. musician D4vd is arrested and reported to have killed a 14-year-old. The prosecution describes a gruesome trial. The evidence is sufficient for a trial.
In April, U.S. musician D4vd is arrested and reported to have killed a 14-year-old. The prosecution describes a gruesome trial. The evidence is sufficient for a trial.
Judge rules singer D4vd must stand trial in killing of teenage girl
A judge ruled Monday that there is enough evidence to put D4vd on trial in the killing and dismemberment of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, who authorities said had threatened to expose their relationship and crater the indie-pop singer's rising career just a few days before his debut album dropped.
According to the charges, the singer D4vd is said to have stabbed a 14-year-old and dismembered the body. He rejects it. After a day-long preliminary hearing, the judge decided: The evidence is sufficient for a trial.
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