American singer and songwriter D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, will stand trial for first-degree murder, child sexual abuse, and unlawful mutilation of human remains in connection with the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The ruling followed a multi-day preliminary hearing in a Los Angeles court where prosecutors presented evidence they said linked the 21-year-old musician to the teenager's killing.
Judge Finds Probable Cause
Superior Court Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo ruled that prosecutors had presented sufficient evidence to establish probable cause that Burke fatally stabbed and dismembered Rivas Hernandez. According to court documents, the teenager’s decomposed remains were discovered inside the front trunk of a Tesla registered to Burke. Authorities allege the killing occurred in April 2025, just days before the release of Burke's debut album, but her remains were not recovered until months later.
Arrest and Investigation
Burke was arrested at his Los Angeles residence on April 16, 2026, by LAPD officers. The arrest capped a seven-month intensive, covert investigation led by the LAPD, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, and an LA County grand jury. After his arrest, Burke was held at the Men's Central Jail in Los Angeles without bail. He remains in custody without the option of bail as of the pre-trial date.
Prosecution's Allegations
District Attorney prosecutors allege that Burke entered into an illegal sexual relationship with Rivas Hernandez when she was 13 years old and he was 18. The prosecution contends that the musician killed the victim after she threatened to expose their unlawful relationship. The charges against Burke include first-degree murder, child sexual abuse, and unlawful mutilation of human remains. If convicted on the primary murder charge, Burke could face life imprisonment or potential eligibility for the death penalty.
Defense Arguments
Burke has pleaded not guilty to all charges. In court, defense attorneys presented evidence arguing that Rivas Hernandez lied about her age, claiming she was 16 when she was actually 11 at the start of the relationship. The defense also alleged that the victim’s family were aware of and consented to her relationship with the singer, citing travel authorization forms and past family interactions. Additionally, the defense emphasized threatening text messages sent by the victim to Burke before she arrived at his home. However, prosecutors argued that regardless of any misrepresentation, the sexual relationship remained illegal under California law.
Next Steps in the Case
With the pre-trial date and court appearance now scheduled, Burke remains in custody without bail. The case is expected to proceed to trial in the coming months. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office is handling the prosecution, while Burke is represented by a team of private defense attorneys. The trial will likely draw significant media attention given Burke’s prominence as a rising music star and the severity of the allegations.
