Singer D4vd, whose real name is David Burke, will stand trial over allegations that he killed and dismembered 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, after a Los Angeles judge ruled that prosecutors presented enough evidence to proceed with the case, says Variety.
Los Angeles Judge Charlaine Olmedo made the decision on Monday after a preliminary hearing, stating that prosecutors had “met their burden on all counts”.
Burke will remain in custody without bail.
The hearing began last Tuesday, with prosecutors presenting evidence from the crime scene where Hernandez’s remains were discovered in September 2025.
They showed photographs of the victim’s dismembered body parts found inside the front trunk of Burke’s Tesla.
Prosecutors alleged that Burke bought two cadaver bags, a shovel and three chainsaws after Hernandez’s death.
They also claimed that investigators found nearly a dozen air fresheners inside the vehicle where the remains were discovered.
During the hearing, an LAPD criminalist testified that blood found inside Burke’s garage matched Hernandez’s DNA, according to reports.
Prosecutors also presented messages between Burke and Hernandez, claiming the two had discussed terminating a pregnancy when she was 14.
Additional messages shown in court suggested Hernandez had threatened to damage Burke’s career before her death.
After prosecutors completed their arguments, Burke’s defence team chose not to call any witnesses.
Burke was arrested in April and later charged with first-degree murder, a charge that could make him eligible for the death penalty if convicted.
He also faces charges related to alleged lewd acts with a child and dismemberment of a body.
Burke has pleaded not guilty.
Investigators said Hernandez was last seen alive on 23 April 2025, when she visited Burke’s home in the Hollywood Hills.
Her remains were found months later in multiple bags inside his Tesla, with her body showing signs of severe decomposition.
A Los Angeles County medical examiner’s report determined that Hernandez died from multiple stab wounds and classified the death as a homicide.
Earlier in the case, prosecutors also alleged that they found a significant amount of child sexual abuse material on Burke’s iCloud account.
Deputy District Attorney Beth Silverman said investigators discovered eight terabytes of data on the account but had only reviewed one terabyte at the time.
Authorities also found between 20 and 30 terabytes of data across various devices.
Burke has denied the allegations through his not guilty plea, and the case will now move forward to trial.
