Los Angeles Judge Sends Singer D4vd to Trial for Teen’s Murder
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo ruled on July 27 that there is probable cause to move singer David Anthony Burke, known as D4vd, to trial. The judge found sufficient evidence for first‑degree murder with special circumstances—lying in wait, murder for financial gain, and murder of a witness—plus continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14 and unlawful mutilation of human remains.
The victim is 14‑year‑old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Prosecutors allege an illicit sexual relationship began when she was 12‑13 and Burke was 18, and that she was killed after threatening to expose the affair, which they say could damage his music career. Her dismembered remains were discovered in the trunk of Burke’s impounded Tesla in September 2025. Investigators say key evidence such as the alleged murder weapon, several of the victim’s fingers, phones and security footage remain missing.
Burke has pleaded not guilty. Prosecutors say he could face the death penalty or life imprisonment without parole if convicted. A post‑preliminary arraignment is set for August 31, with a trial date yet to be scheduled.
Entities: Celeste Rivas Hernandez · Charlaine Olmedo · David Anthony Burke · Hollywood Hills · Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office · Los Angeles County Superior Court · Nathan Hochman
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 4 SOURCES] A preliminary hearing on July 27 found sufficient evidence to send the case to trial. (Preliminary hearing)
- [● 3 SOURCES] If convicted, David Anthony Burke could face the death penalty or life in prison without parole. (Potential penalty)
- [● 6 SOURCES] Celeste Rivas Hernandez was 14 years old when she was murdered. (Victim age)
- [● 4 SOURCES] Celeste Rivas Hernandez’s remains were found in the trunk of David Anthony Burke’s impounded Tesla. (Location of remains)
- [● 3 SOURCES] The district attorney’s office has not yet decided whether to seek the death penalty. (Death‑penalty decision pending)
- [● 6 SOURCES] Prosecutors allege a sexual relationship began when Celeste Rivas Hernandez was 13 and David Anthony Burke was 18. (Alleged relationship)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] A post‑preliminary arraignment is scheduled for August 31 in Los Angeles. (Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office)
- [● 7 SOURCES] David Anthony Burke is charged with murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains. (Charges)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Prosecutors say Celeste Rivas Hernandez was not pregnant at the time of her killing. (Pregnancy claim denied)