A Los Angeles County Superior Court judge has ordered David Anthony Burke, also known as D4vd, to stand trial on charges alleging he murdered, sexually abused, and dismembered 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
The ruling follows a five-day preliminary hearing in which prosecutors presented evidence they say connects Burke to the alleged killing. Burke has pleaded not guilty through the legal process and, like all criminal defendants, is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
WHAT HAPPENED
On July 27, 2026, a judge found sufficient evidence to require Burke to stand trial on charges including one count of murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under the age of 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains.
According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, prosecutors called 12 witnesses during the preliminary hearing to outline evidence supporting the charges.
Prosecutors allege that on April 23, 2025, Burke invited Celeste to his Hollywood Hills home, where she was last seen alive. Court testimony stated that Burke allegedly ordered a shovel the following day, then later purchased three chainsaws, a body bag, and a blue inflatable pool using an alias.
According to prosecutors, investigators found blood matching Celeste's DNA profile inside Burke's garage. Prosecutors further allege Burke fatally stabbed the victim before dismembering her body inside the inflatable pool.
Authorities said Celeste's decomposed and dismembered remains were discovered on September 8, 2025, inside the front trunk of a Tesla registered to Burke after the vehicle had been impounded. Prosecutors also alleged that blue plastic fragments recovered from the remains matched the inflatable pool Burke allegedly purchased.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said, “What was presented by our Office over the course of the last week is a small but illustrative fraction of the evidence investigators have accumulated that proves defendant Burke is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.”
Hochman also stated, “This has been a parent’s worst nightmare, hearing the ghoulish details of how their child was killed, dismembered and left as trash.”
According to prosecutors, text messages between Burke and Celeste allegedly showed the victim had threatened to expose their relationship before her death. Prosecutors contend Burke feared those allegations would damage his music career.
KEY FACTS
- Defendant: David Anthony Burke, also known as D4vd.
- Victim: Celeste Rivas Hernandez, 14.
- Charges: Murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains.
- Special Allegations: Murder of a witness, murder for financial gain, lying in wait, and personal use of a deadly weapon.
- Next Court Date: August 31, 2026.
- Potential Sentence: Death or life without the possibility of parole if convicted.
WHY IT MATTERS
The case has drawn significant public attention because Burke was an aspiring singer and songwriter with a growing public profile before his arrest.
According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, prosecutors believe the alleged motive centered on preventing the victim from exposing an illicit relationship that they say threatened Burke's career.
The preliminary hearing does not determine guilt or innocence. Instead, it determines whether prosecutors have presented enough evidence for the case to proceed to trial, where the allegations will be fully contested before a jury.
OPPOSING OR SKEPTICAL VIEW
While prosecutors described the evidence as compelling, the preliminary hearing was not a trial and did not require proof beyond a reasonable doubt. Defense attorneys will have the opportunity to challenge forensic evidence, witness testimony, digital records, and the prosecution's theory of the case during future proceedings. A skeptical view emphasizes that allegations presented during preliminary hearings are tested under a lower legal standard than a criminal conviction, and the defendant remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
Burke is scheduled to return to court on August 31, 2026, for a post-preliminary arraignment.
If the case proceeds to trial, prosecutors are expected to present forensic evidence, witness testimony, and digital communications supporting the allegations.
If convicted as charged, Burke faces either the death penalty or life in prison without the possibility of parole. Prosecutors have not yet announced whether they will seek the death penalty.
WHAT WE STILL DON'T KNOW
- Will prosecutors ultimately seek the death penalty?
- What evidence and arguments will the defense present at trial?
- When will a trial date be scheduled?
- Will additional evidence be introduced before trial?
SOURCE NOTE
This story is based on a news release from the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.
Original source: https://da.lacounty.gov/media/news/d4vd-ordered-stand-trial-murdering-dismembering-14-year-old-girl