Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Charlaine Olmedo determined that sufficient evidence exists to proceed with a trial against musician D4vd, legally named David Anthony Burke, in connection with the death of teenager Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The ruling concluded a five-day preliminary hearing during which prosecutors presented testimony from approximately a dozen witnesses and photographic evidence reviewed by the victim’s family members.
The 21-year-old defendant faces charges of murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains. Hernandez’s remains were discovered last September in a vehicle registered to Burke’s address. Prosecutors allege Burke killed the teenager following years of sexual abuse, claiming she threatened to expose their relationship and damage his music career. According to court records, Hernandez sent threatening messages on 22 April 2025, and prosecutors contend Burke stabbed her the following day when she arrived at his Hollywood residence in an Uber he arranged.
The defence team challenged the prosecution’s case, arguing insufficient evidence supported the charges. They highlighted testimony from Detective Corey Farrell indicating that Hernandez had misrepresented her age to Burke, claiming she was 16 and 18 at different times. Defence attorneys also noted that the victim’s parents were aware of the relationship and provided written permission for her to travel with Burke. Text messages presented showed Hernandez insisting on visiting Burke’s home while he initially resisted, and the defence emphasized the lack of surveillance footage confirming Burke’s presence on the relevant evening.
Judge Olmedo determined prosecutors met the evidentiary threshold, finding probable cause on all counts, including murder with special circumstances such as lying in wait, financial motive, and witness elimination. Burke is scheduled to be formally charged on 31 August, with the trial to commence within 90 days thereafter. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman stated his office would present additional evidence at trial beyond what was disclosed during the preliminary hearing, and indicated the death penalty determination remained pending.
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