American singer David Burke, popularly known as D4vd, will stand trial after a Los Angeles judge ruled that prosecutors presented enough evidence to proceed with criminal charges against him.
Judge Charlaine Olmedo delivered the ruling after a five-day preliminary hearing, clearing the way for a full trial over allegations linked to the death and dismemberment of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
Prosecutors told the court that Burke, whose full name is David Anthony Burke, had an illegal relationship with Hernandez that allegedly began when she was 13 and he was 18.
Digital evidence presented included text messages allegedly sent by the teenager shortly before her death. Prosecutors claimed she had threatened to expose the relationship before she was killed.
Investigators also alleged that Hernandez’s body was later found inside the trunk of Burke’s Tesla after the vehicle was towed to a Hollywood impound lot.
The prosecution presented additional evidence, including Amazon purchase records for chainsaws, an inflatable pool and a “burn box” incinerator. Investigators said the incinerator was too small to destroy a human body.
Court documents also showed records of an Uber ride prosecutors said Burke arranged to bring Hernandez to his home shortly before her death.
Lead prosecutor Beth Silverman dismissed defense claims that the death was accidental, telling the court there was nothing about the case that suggested an accident.
Burke has been charged with murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains. He has pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
According to testimony, Hernandez’s family was aware of the relationship and had signed consent forms allowing her to travel with Burke to London in September 2024. Prosecutors also said she became pregnant during the relationship and later had an abortion.
Although the pair reportedly ended their relationship in November 2024, prosecutors said they continued communicating until the days leading to Hernandez’s death.
Defense attorney Blair Berk argued that prosecutors had not proven Burke intentionally killed the teenager. She also claimed Hernandez had displayed violent behavior and had struggled with bipolar disorder and suicidal thoughts.
Patrick Steinfeld, a lawyer representing Hernandez’s family, criticized the defense, saying it was wrong to place blame on the victim. Prosecutor Silverman also accused the defense of attacking the teenager’s character instead of addressing the evidence.
Before his arrest, D4vd had risen to fame after his 2022 viral hit “Romantic Homicide” and later performed at the Coachella music festival.
The court has scheduled another hearing for Friday to determine the trial timetable. If convicted, Burke could face life imprisonment or the death penalty.
