Trial Set for Singer D4vd in Shocking Murder Case of Celeste Rivas Hernandez
Judge Allows Trial to Proceed Against D4vd
A judge in Los Angeles has determined that there is enough evidence to move forward with a trial against singer D4vd, whose real name is David Burke, related to the murder and dismemberment of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. This decision followed a five-day preliminary hearing where Judge Charlaine Olmedo concluded that the evidence presented by the prosecution justified the charges of murder, continuous sexual abuse of a minor under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains. Burke, aged 21, has entered a not guilty plea to all allegations.
Judge Olmedo remarked, "The prosecution has met its burden on all counts," and mandated that Burke remain in custody without the option for bail. She clarified that the threshold for establishing probable cause in a preliminary hearing is considerably lower than what is required for a conviction during a trial. However, Deputy District Attorney Beth Silverman argued that the evidence against Burke is substantial, stating, "The evidence presented is overwhelming and meets the necessary standards for all allegations."
During the hearing, prosecutors recounted the circumstances leading to Rivas Hernandez's tragic death, including a series of text messages exchanged between her and Burke. On April 23, 2025, shortly after arriving at Burke's Hollywood residence via an Uber he had arranged, Rivas Hernandez sent her final message: "girly pop i'm almost there open ur door if ur home." Prosecutors allege that Burke fatally stabbed her upon her arrival, following a heated argument the night before regarding his relationship with another woman.
The defense argued that the evidence was inadequate to support a murder charge, claiming there was no proof that Burke intended to kill Rivas Hernandez. Burke's attorney, Marilyn Bednarski, highlighted that their communications did not indicate any threats or a history of violence. She also pointed out that the medical examiner's classification of homicide based on two puncture wounds was ambiguous and inconclusive, and the defense did not offer an alternative explanation for Rivas Hernandez's death.
Additionally, prosecutors alleged that Burke attempted to conceal the crime after Rivas Hernandez's phone went silent, sending several messages expressing worry about her whereabouts. They claimed he dismembered her body in his garage, with DNA evidence linking blood stains found there to Rivas Hernandez. Earlier testimonies revealed a disturbing history of sexual abuse, including explicit photos and messages exchanged between Burke and Rivas Hernandez, which left her family devastated during the proceedings. D4vd, who had been rapidly rising in his music career, now faces significant legal hurdles that could drastically change the course of his life and career.