D4vd Headed to Trial as Judge Determines There’s Enough Evidence in Murder Case

A Los Angeles Superior Court judge has ruled that 21-year-old singer David “D4vd” Burke will stand trial for the alleged murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The decision followed a five-day preliminary hearing where prosecutors presented evidence suggesting Burke killed Rivas after she threatened to reveal their allegedly illegal sexual relationship.

The court proceedings, which ended on July 27, 2025, determined that there was sufficient probable cause for multiple serious charges, including murder and unlawful dismemberment of human remains. Burke’s arraignment is set for August 31, with his trial slated to begin within the following two months. He is currently being held without bail.

Prosecutors allege that the relationship between Burke and Rivas began when she was just 13, and he was 18. It is claimed that their liaison escalated to violent conflict shortly before the teenager’s tragic death. Reports indicate that Rivas confronted Burke about his interactions with other women on April 23, 2025, just prior to his debut album release.

Following their argument, Burke is accused of murdering Rivas and subsequently disposing of her remains. Authorities assert that he purchased various tools and materials online, including a shovel, chainsaws, and cadaver bags, to aid in his efforts to dismember and conceal her body. Rivas’ remains were ultimately found in two bags located in the front trunk of Burke’s Tesla on September 8, 2025, after the vehicle was impounded by police.

During the hearings, Los Angeles County Deputy Medical Examiner Dr. Grant Ho testified that Rivas had suffered two penetrating injuries leading to her death, including damage to her liver and ribs. However, due to the state of decomposition, it was not possible to identify the weapon used. Dr. Ho confirmed that it was likely Rivas had been dead for several weeks prior to the discovery of her body.

In addition to direct evidence of the murder, detective Corey Farell from the Los Angeles Police Department testified about Burke and Rivas’s communications throughout their relationship. Text messages exchanged between the two discussed sensitive topics such as abortion and birth control. Disturbingly, over 40 images of child sexual abuse involving Rivas were also found on Burke’s mobile phone, along with explicit photos of the pair.

Prosecutors indicated that their investigation revealed the pair had begun communicating on August 8, 2022, when Rivas was only 11 years old and later began a sexual relationship in November 2023, when she was 13. Texts entered into evidence depicted a conversation in which Rivas expressed concerns about a potential pregnancy, highlighting the manipulation and control Burke allegedly maintained over her life.

Burke faces severe legal consequences if convicted. He is potentially facing a life sentence without the possibility of parole, with prosecutors also deliberating whether to pursue the death penalty.

As the case progresses, it will serve as a sobering reminder of the complex and tragic circumstances surrounding cases of statutory abuse and violence, drawing attention to the severe implications for the lives involved. The forthcoming trial is expected to bring further detail to this harrowing case, as the community grapples with the loss of a young life and the consequences of predatory relationships.

This incident has raised alarm bells regarding the protection of minors, spurring calls for increased awareness and legislation aimed at safeguarding vulnerable individuals from exploitative situations. As the legal proceedings unfold, many will be watching closely, hoping for justice for Celeste Rivas Hernandez.