D4vd Ordered to Stand Trial for Murder of 14-Year-Old Girl

A judge has ruled that singer D4vd, whose legal name is David Burke, must face trial on charges of murder and dismemberment involving a 14-year-old girl. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo wrapped up a preliminary hearing on Monday, determining that sufficient evidence had been presented by prosecutors to proceed with the case. "The people have met their burden on all counts," Olmedo remarked, as reported by the Associated Press. Burke will remain in custody without the possibility of bail. The hearing, which commenced the previous Tuesday, featured graphic crime scene imagery introduced by the prosecution. Those photographs displayed the remains of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, discovered in September 2025 within the front trunk of Burke's Tesla. The body had been dismembered, with arms and legs separated, and was in an advanced stage of decomposition. Criminal defense analyst Mark Geragos, a legal expert, has noted that the evidence highlighted during such preliminary hearings often shapes the trajectory of a trial, as it allows the prosecution to establish its narrative early on. This case has sent shockwaves through the music industry, where Burke, once hailed as a streaming sensation, now faces allegations that starkly contrast with his public persona.

Over the course of the week, prosecutors detailed a series of accusations. These included claims that Burke purchased two cadaver bags, a shovel, and three different chainsaws following Hernandez's death. Court testimony further revealed that nearly a dozen air fresheners were discovered inside the Tesla where her body was found. An LAPD criminalist testified that blood detected in Burke's garage matched Hernandez's DNA, according to People magazine. Additionally, prosecutors alleged that Hernandez and Burke exchanged text messages discussing a pregnancy termination when she was 14. Messages shown in court on Monday suggested that Hernandez had threatened to harm Burke's career before her death. Following the prosecution's presentation, Burke's defense team opted not to call any witnesses. Burke, a rising musician best known for his hit song "Romantic Homicide," was arrested in April 2025. He faces charges of first-degree murder, which could render him eligible for the death penalty. Additional charges include lewd acts with a minor and dismembering the victim's body. Burke has entered a plea of not guilty to all counts. Notably, Burke, whose real name is David Burke, rose to fame through TikTok and Spotify, with "Romantic Homicide" accumulating over 1 billion streams globally, making his abrupt fall from grace particularly jarring for fans. The song's title, ironically referencing a violent act, has taken on a grim new context in light of these events.

Hernandez was last seen alive on April 23, 2025, when she visited Burke's home in the Hollywood Hills. Her body was discovered months later, in September 2025, inside multiple bags located in the front trunk of Burke's Tesla. The Los Angeles County medical examiner's autopsy report concluded that Hernandez died from multiple stab wounds, classifying the manner of death as a "homicide." The report specified that she succumbed to "multiple penetrating injuries." In a separate hearing in April, prosecutors alleged that Burke possessed a "significant amount" of child pornography on his iCloud storage account. Deputy District Attorney Beth Silverman stated that investigators uncovered eight terabytes of data on an iCloud account, though only one terabyte had been downloaded thus far. They also identified 20 to 30 terabytes of raw data across various devices owned by Burke. During the hearing, Burke appeared in an orange jumpsuit and was observed "slumped" in his chair, reflecting the gravity of the proceedings. This case has garnered widespread attention due to Burke's prior fame and the brutal nature of the allegations, highlighting ongoing concerns about violence against minors in the entertainment industry. The Hollywood Hills home, a rented property valued at over $4 million, has become a central focus for investigators, who continue to examine digital evidence from Burke's devices. The property, located in an exclusive neighborhood known for its celebrity residents, stands as a stark reminder of the alleged crimes committed within its walls.