A Los Angeles judge ruled on Monday that singer David Anthony Burke, known as D4vd, must stand trial for the murder, sexual abuse, and mutilation of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Judge Charlaine Olmedo issued the ruling after a five-day preliminary hearing. Burke, 21, has pleaded not guilty to all charges and remains in custody without bail.
Prosecutors allege that Burke killed Celeste after she threatened to expose their relationship and ruin his music career. The night before her death, Celeste sent Burke a text: "i will end ur career and ur life." On April 23, 2025, she took an Uber to Burke's home and sent a final text: "girly pop i’m almost there open ur door if ur home."
According to prosecutors, Burke stabbed Celeste to death when she entered his home and then dismembered her body in his garage. Her body was found in a Tesla registered to Burke nearly five months later, in September 2025. Remains were identified through dental records.
I will end ur career and ur life.
Evidence presented at the hearing included grisly autopsy photos and descriptions of sexual abuse. DNA from blood stains in Burke's garage matched Celeste's DNA. Two fingers on her left hand were amputated; one bore a "David" tattoo. Blue plastic fragments from an inflatable pool were found embedded in her right knee. Celeste's torso and head were found in a cadaver bag in the front trunk of the Tesla. Celeste's body was discovered a day after her 15th birthday.
After Celeste's death, Burke ordered items including chainsaws, a body bag, an inflatable pool, and a shovel under the alias "Travion Davis." Two chainsaws found in his garage tested negative for blood; a third Makita chainsaw was not found. A deputy medical examiner testified that the dismemberment was "potentially" consistent with use of a power tool such as a chainsaw.
The defense argued there was insufficient evidence, noting no witnesses or cameras showed Celeste entering the house or Burke being present at the time of the alleged murder. They also highlighted texts from Celeste threatening Burke, and noted that Celeste misrepresented her age to Burke, claiming she was 16 or 18. Both sets of parents knew about the relationship and consented to a trip to London. The defense argued the medical examiner's ruling of homicide from two puncture wounds was too vague for murder.
Burke's phone and Tesla traveled to Santa Barbara County three times: on the night of April 23, 2025, and twice in May. Celeste's passport was found on a rural road in the county in January. Celeste had an abortion in 2024 at age 13, and Burke was the father. Burke had a "Shhh..." tattoo on his right index finger and a "Celeste" tattoo on his left ring finger; Celeste had matching tattoos. After clicking send on texts, Burke sent several messages asking where she was, which prosecutors allege was cover. Prosecutors said they presented only a small fraction of their evidence during the hearing.
The post-preliminary arraignment is scheduled for August 31. The trial could begin as soon as 60 to 90 days after the arraignment, according to varying reports. Burke generated approximately $11 million between 2023 and 2025 from merchandise and music publishing advances. His debut album "Withered" was released two days after authorities say Celeste was killed. His top songs, including "Romantic Homicide," have more than a billion plays. Burke showed no visible reaction to the judge's decision.
All allegations have been proved way beyond the standard required.
Judge Olmedo noted that the probable cause standard is lower than for a criminal trial. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said his office has not yet decided whether to seek the death penalty. Burke is charged with murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains.