American singer David Anthony Burke, professionally known as D4vd, will stand trial after a Los Angeles judge found there is enough evidence for the criminal case against him to proceed.
Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo made the ruling after a five-day preliminary hearing, determining that prosecutors had established probable cause on multiple felony charges against the 21-year-old musician.
The decision marks a major development in one of the entertainment industry’s most closely watched criminal cases, with prosecutors alleging that the singer murdered a 14-year-old girl to prevent her from exposing their alleged relationship.
According to prosecutors, the case centers on 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whom they allege had been involved in an illegal sexual relationship with Burke.
They claim the teenager threatened to reveal the relationship shortly before the planned release of Burke’s debut album, Withered, in April 2025.
Prosecutors argue that Burke feared the allegations would destroy his rapidly rising music career and multimillion-dollar earning potential, leading him to allegedly plan and carry out the killing.
The court upheld several special-circumstance allegations, including lying in wait, killing a potential witness and financial gain, significantly increasing the potential penalties Burke could face if convicted.
During the preliminary hearing, prosecutors detailed their version of the events leading up to Celeste’s death.
They alleged that on April 23, 2025, Burke arranged and paid for an Uber to transport the teenager to his Hollywood Hills residence.
According to court filings, prosecutors believe the singer fatally stabbed Celeste shortly after she arrived at the property.
They further allege that Burke later attempted to conceal the crime by purchasing chainsaws, a shovel and an inflatable pool using a false identity.
Investigators testified that the items were allegedly used to dismember the victim’s body inside the garage of the residence.
Forensic evidence presented during the hearing included bloodstains recovered from the garage that prosecutors said matched Celeste’s DNA.
Authorities did not recover the victim’s remains until several months after the alleged killing.
According to investigators, Celeste’s remains were discovered in September 2025 inside the front storage compartment, commonly known as the “frunk,” of a Tesla registered to Burke.
The vehicle had been impounded while the singer was reportedly away on an international concert tour.
The discovery triggered an extensive homicide investigation that ultimately led to Burke’s arrest and the filing of multiple criminal charges.
During the preliminary hearing, the defense argued that prosecutors had failed to establish deliberate intent to kill.
The attorneys also pointed to what they described as hostile text messages sent by Celeste, arguing they provided important context that prosecutors had overlooked.
Additionally, the defense contended that Celeste’s parents had previously been aware of the relationship and had consented to some of the pair’s travel together, challenging aspects of the prosecution’s narrative.
Burke has maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings and entered not guilty pleas to all charges.
After hearing testimony and reviewing the evidence over five days, Judge Olmedo ruled that prosecutors had met the relatively low legal standard required at a preliminary hearing.
The ruling does not determine Burke’s guilt or innocence. Instead, it means the judge found sufficient evidence for the case to move forward to a jury trial, where prosecutors must prove every charge beyond a reasonable doubt.
The court also upheld the special-circumstance allegations, meaning Burke could face either life imprisonment without the possibility of parole or the death penalty if convicted.
Burke is scheduled to return to court on August 31, 2026, for a formal secondary arraignment.
