A Los Angeles judge has ruled that singer D4vd, whose legal name is David Anthony Burke, will stand trial on charges including first-degree murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child and mutilation of human remains following a five-day preliminary hearing that laid out graphic evidence and testimony.
The ruling marks a significant milestone in one of the entertainment industry’s most closely watched criminal cases, with prosecutors alleging the 21-year-old artist killed 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez in April 2025 before dismembering her body in an effort to conceal the crime. Burke has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo ruled on Monday that prosecutors had presented enough evidence to move the case beyond the preliminary hearing stage.
“It appears to me, for the purposes of preliminary hearing, the people have met their burden of proof on all charges,” Olmedo said before ordering Burke “held to answer,” according to a report from Rolling Stone. His arraignment is scheduled for Aug. 31.
A preliminary hearing is not a determination of guilt. Instead, the court decides whether prosecutors have established probable cause for the charges to proceed to trial.
Prosecutors Presented Graphic Evidence Over Five-Day Hearing
During the multi-day hearing, prosecutors called numerous witnesses and introduced forensic evidence, digital records and text messages they contend support their case.
According to courtroom testimony, the prosecution alleged Burke maintained an illegal sexual relationship with Hernandez before her death.
Jurors were shown graphic photographs of the teenager’s remains, while investigators detailed forensic evidence that prosecutors say links the crime scene to Burke’s Hollywood Hills home.
The court also heard testimony about DNA evidence, bloodstains recovered from the residence and text message exchanges between Burke and Hernandez that prosecutors argue help establish the timeline leading up to her death.
Investigators further testified that Hernandez’s dismembered remains were discovered months after her disappearance inside a Tesla registered to Burke after police responded to reports of a foul odor coming from the vehicle.
Text Messages Became A Key Part Of The Hearing
One of the most closely watched portions of the hearing involved hundreds of text messages exchanged between Burke and Hernandez in the days before prosecutors say she was killed.
Among the messages presented in court was one in which Hernandez allegedly threatened to expose Burke and damage his career amid a dispute over his relationship with another woman.
Prosecutors argue those exchanges support their theory that Burke had a motive to silence Hernandez.
The defense disputes that interpretation, arguing the messages do not establish premeditation or an intent to kill.
Los Angeles Deputy District Attorney Beth Silverman argued that Hernandez had been groomed and manipulated during the relationship, telling the court the teenager “was being gaslit.”
However, those statements represent the prosecution’s allegations and have not been proven in court.
Defense Maintains D4vd Is Not Guilty
Burke’s legal team urged the judge to dismiss the case, arguing prosecutors had failed to establish deliberate intent to kill.
Defence attorney Marilyn Bednarski argued there was insufficient evidence of premeditation and contended the communications between Burke and Hernandez reflected “the opposite of homicidal animus.”
Burke has consistently pleaded not guilty and remains in custody without bail while awaiting further proceedings.
The ruling follows months of investigation after Hernandez’s remains were discovered in September 2025.
Authorities arrested Burke in April 2026 after prosecutors said investigators gathered extensive digital, forensic and physical evidence, including search warrant returns from electronic devices and his residence.
Before the preliminary hearing, prosecutors also filed court documents outlining their theory that Hernandez was killed after allegedly threatening to reveal the relationship.
The Case’s Impact On D4vd’s Career
Before his arrest, D4vd had emerged as one of pop music’s fastest-rising artists after breaking through with viral success and signing a major-label recording deal.
Following the criminal charges, his professional career was effectively halted. His label relationship ended, scheduled appearances were cancelled, and the criminal case has overshadowed what had been a rapid rise in the music industry.
If convicted, Burke faces the possibility of life imprisonment without parole, while prosecutors have publicly stated they are evaluating whether to seek the death penalty based on alleged special circumstances.