Judge orders singer D4vd to stand trial for teen murder

A Los Angeles judge ruled on Monday, July 27, 2026, that there is sufficient evidence for singer David Anthony Burke, known professionally as D4vd, to stand trial for the murder and dismemberment of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Judge Charlaine Olmedo of the Los Angeles Superior Court determined prosecutors had met the probable cause standard for charges of first-degree murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains. Burke, 21, pleaded not guilty and will remain in custody without bail. An arraignment is scheduled for August 31.

The ruling concluded a five-day preliminary hearing that presented a detailed and often graphic timeline of the alleged crimes. Prosecutors asserted that Burke stabbed Hernandez to death at his Hollywood Hills home on the night of April 23, 2025, after she threatened to expose their sexual relationship and derail his burgeoning music career. According to evidence presented, Hernandez’s final text message, sent as she arrived at his home in an Uber he summoned, read, “girly pop im almost there open ur door if ur home.” Her phone activity ceased after that point.

The prosecution’s case heavily relied on...