Singer David Anthony Burke, 21, known professionally as D4vd, was ordered to stand trial in Los Angeles on charges including murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains related to 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez [1, 2, 3, 4, 5].

Prosecutors allege Burke fatally stabbed Celeste on April 23, 2025, shortly after she arrived at his Hollywood Hills residence in an Uber he had sent for her [1, 2, 6, 5]. Evidence presented at a five-day preliminary hearing convinced Judge Charlaine Olmedo to find probable cause for trial. She said, "The people have met their burden on all counts" [3].

Celeste’s decomposed remains were discovered five months later, in September 2025, in the trunk of a Tesla registered to Burke’s home address [1, 4, 5]. Prosecutors claim he sexually abused Celeste for years starting when she was 13 and he was 18, during which time her parents were reportedly aware and had consented to parts of the relationship including travel [2, 4, 5].

Prosecutors also noted threatening and profane texts Celeste sent Burke in the days before her death, in which she warned of exposing their relationship and damaging his career [1, 2, 6, 4]. Deputy District Attorney Beth Silverman said, "Based on the mountains of evidence presented, all of the allegations have been proved way beyond the standard required" [3].

The defense argued there was no direct evidence placing Burke at the home during the murder, such as witnesses or video footage, and highlighted Celeste’s history of emotional volatility and mental health issues. Defense lawyer Blair Berk said, "There was no evidence of deliberate intention to kill" [2, 4].

Burke has pleaded not guilty to all charges [1, 2, 3, 7, 4]. He was ordered held without bail following the preliminary hearing [3, 4]. If convicted, he faces possible life imprisonment without parole or the death penalty, though prosecutors have not decided whether to seek capital punishment [7, 5]. District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said, "The death penalty considerations are now being weighed" and characterized Burke as having "brutally killed a young girl because he feared their illicit sexual relationship would ruin his aspiring career" [7, 5].

Tensions remain over Celeste’s final texts, with some authorities disputing claims she threatened legal action against Burke [2, 6].

Burke’s arraignment is set for August 31, 2026, with the trial expected to begin within 90 days after that date [1, 7].