D4vd ordered to stand trial over murder charge

Singer D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, has been ordered to stand trial after a judge ruled there is enough evidence for the case to proceed.

Burke is charged with the alleged murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, as well as continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14 and unlawful mutilation of human remains. Prosecutors have also filed special circumstance allegations, including murder of a witness, murder for financial gain and murder by lying in wait.

According to prosecutors, Hernandez was last seen after visiting Burke's Hollywood Hills home on 23 April 2025. They allege Burke fatally stabbed her, dismembered her body and later placed her remains in the boot of his Tesla, where they were found in September 2025. Investigators also said blood matching Hernandez's DNA was found in Burke's garage.

Burke has denied the allegations. His lawyers say the evidence will show he did not kill Hernandez and was not responsible for her death.

Burke is due to be arraigned on 31 August, and the judge has ordered the trial to begin within 90 days. If convicted, he could face the death penalty or life imprisonment without parole, although prosecutors have not yet decided whether they will seek a death sentence.