A Los Angeles judge ruled that indie-pop singer D4vd must stand trial for the murder, sexual abuse, and body mutilation of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez after prosecutors presented forensic evidence linking her death to his Hollywood Hills residence.Who is D4vd and Who Was the Victim?D4vd, born David Anthony Burke, is a 21-year-old American singer-songwriter who gained widespread fame through hit singles like "Romantic Homicide" and "Here with Me". Prior to his arrest, he was recognized as a rising star in the alternative and indie-pop music scene. The victim in the case was 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, who had been reported missing by her family in 2024. According to investigators, Burke and Rivas Hernandez were involved in an illicit relationship prior to her death.What Are the Allegations Against the Musician?Los Angeles County prosecutors have charged Burke with first-degree murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under the age of 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains. The charges carry special circumstances, including murder of a witness, murder for financial gain, and lying in wait. Prosecutors allege that Burke fatally stabbed Rivas Hernandez in April 2025 and dismembered her body inside his garage. Her decomposed remains were later discovered packed inside bags in the front trunk of an impounded Tesla registered to Burke.Why Is He Facing Trial Now?Following a multi-day preliminary hearing in Los Angeles, Judge Charlaine Olmedo determined there was sufficient probable cause for the case to proceed to a full criminal trial. Prosecutors presented key physical and digital evidence, including forensic testimony showing that blood stains recovered from equipment and charging cables in Burke's garage were a strong DNA match to Rivas Hernandez. Cellular network data, vehicle navigation records, and severe text messages exchanged between the victim and Burke shortly before her phone went silent were also introduced in court.When and Where Did the Incidents Take Place?Investigators state that the victim was last seen alive on April 23, 2025, after taking a ride-share to Burke’s residence in the Hollywood Hills, California. The dismembered body remained undiscovered until September 8, 2025, when tow yard workers inspected the impounded Tesla. Burke was formally arrested by homicide detectives in April 2026, leading up to the preliminary hearing that bound him over for trial.How Has the Defense Responded to the Evidence?Burke has pleaded not guilty to all counts. Defense attorneys have challenged the prosecution's forensic timeline and questioned the scope of the police investigation. They highlighted that other individuals resided at the Hollywood Hills property and argued that investigators failed to test certain tools for touch DNA that could point to other suspects. Despite the defense's arguments, the court ruled that the state met the legal standard required to send the capital murder case to trial.also read : F5 Lifts Revenue Growth Guidance on Cybersecurity Demand
