Billboard.com
A Los Angeles judge has ruled that prosecutors presented enough evidence for singer D4vd to face trial in the murder case involving 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, marking the latest development in the ongoing investigation.
Following a five-day preliminary hearing, Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo determined on July 27 that prosecutors had established probable cause for the charges against the 21-year-old artist, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke. The decision does not determine guilt or innocence but allows the case to proceed to trial. Prosecutors will be required to prove their allegations beyond a reasonable doubt before a jury.
Prosecutors allege Burke killed Rivas in April 2025 after she allegedly threatened to reveal what they describe as an illegal sexual relationship that could have jeopardized his rapidly growing music career.
Throughout the hearing, the court reviewed forensic evidence, text message exchanges and testimony from multiple witnesses, including a medical examiner. According to reports from the proceedings, prosecutors also called an Interscope Records executive to testify about Burke’s commercial success. He argued that his financial achievements and career trajectory provided a motive for the alleged crime.
The investigation began after an abandoned Tesla was taken to a Hollywood tow facility in September, where authorities discovered Rivas’ decomposed remains. Months later, Burke was arrested and charged with first-degree murder, child sexual abuse and mutilation of human remains.
Burke has entered not guilty pleas to every charge. His attorneys continue to deny the allegations, maintaining that the evidence will ultimately show he neither killed Rivas nor caused her death. They have pledged to challenge the prosecution’s case as it moves toward trial.
A trial date has not yet been scheduled. Burke is expected back in court on Aug. 31 for arraignment.
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