Singer D4vd Ordered to Stand Trial for Murder of 14-Year-Old Celeste Rivas Hernandez
A Los Angeles judge ruled Monday, July 27, that prosecutors have presented enough evidence for singer D4vd, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, to stand trial for the murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The ruling followed a five-day preliminary hearing and clears the case to proceed toward trial on multiple felony charges.
What the Judge Ruled
Superior Court of Los Angeles County Judge Charlaine Olmedo determined that the evidence presented by prosecutors met the legal standard of probable cause, allowing the case to move forward on three charges: murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains, according to ABC7 Los Angeles and the Associated Press. Olmedo stated in court that “the people have met their burden on all counts,” while noting that the probable cause standard required at a preliminary hearing is a significantly lower threshold than what prosecutors will need to prove at trial.
The judge ordered that Burke, 21, continue to be held without bail. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges. An arraignment hearing is scheduled for August 31, and a trial could begin as soon as 60 days after that, according to ABC7’s reporting.
Background on the Case
According to CBS Los Angeles, prosecutors allege that Burke arranged for Rivas Hernandez to be brought to his Hollywood Hills home in April 2025, and that she was killed there. Her remains were later found inside a vehicle registered to Burke, according to CNN’s reporting on the preliminary hearing, which took place in September of last year.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman addressed reporters after Monday’s ruling, describing the killing as “horrific and barbaric” and telling reporters his office intends to prove Burke’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial, according to CBS Los Angeles.
What Happened at the Preliminary Hearing
The five-day preliminary hearing included testimony from nearly a dozen witnesses, according to CBS Los Angeles, along with forensic and crime-scene evidence presented by prosecutors. The Washington Post and other outlets reported that prosecutors’ theory centers on the allegation that the killing followed threats from Rivas Hernandez to reveal details of their relationship publicly, which prosecutors say could have damaged Burke’s music career around the time of his album release.
The defense, led by attorney Blair Berk, challenged the medical examiner’s homicide ruling as insufficiently specific, though the defense did not present an alternative account of how Rivas Hernandez died and was not required to under the law. The defense also introduced evidence, cited by the Daily Herald, that Rivas Hernandez had reached out to see Burke multiple times in the days before her death.
Given the sensitive nature of the underlying allegations — which involve a minor victim — this report focuses on the legal proceedings and ruling rather than the graphic details presented during the hearing.
What Happens Next
With the judge’s ruling, the case now moves toward formal arraignment on August 31, followed by trial proceedings that could begin within roughly two months after that, according to ABC7’s reporting. Burke remains in custody without bail as the case proceeds.
FAQ
What charges does D4vd face? Three felony charges: murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains.
Has D4vd been convicted? No. The July 27 ruling only found sufficient evidence — known as probable cause — to proceed to trial. This is a much lower legal standard than the “beyond a reasonable doubt” standard required for a conviction. Burke has pleaded not guilty.
When is the trial expected to begin? An arraignment is scheduled for August 31, 2026, with trial proceedings potentially beginning as soon as 60 days after that date.
Is D4vd out on bail? No. The judge ordered that Burke continue to be held without bail as the case proceeds.
Who is Celeste Rivas Hernandez? She was a 14-year-old whose death is at the center of the case. Her remains were found inside a vehicle registered to Burke.
Conclusion
Monday’s ruling moves the case against D4vd from the investigative and preliminary-hearing stage into formal trial proceedings, a process expected to unfold over the coming months starting with the August 31 arraignment. As with any criminal case, the ruling reflects only that prosecutors met the lower probable-cause threshold required at this stage — Burke remains legally presumed innocent unless and until a jury finds otherwise at trial.
Sources: The Washington Post, CBS Los Angeles, ABC7 Los Angeles, ABC7 San Francisco, ABC7 New York, CNN, Daily Herald/Associated Press (reporting dated July 27-28, 2026).