D4vd ordered to stand trial in killing of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez

American singer D4vd will stand trial on charges linked to the killing and dismemberment of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez after a judge ruled there was enough evidence for the case to proceed.

Judge Charlaine Olmedo issued the order on Monday after a five-day hearing. D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, is 21.

Burke has denied one count each of murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under the age of 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains. He could face life imprisonment or the death penalty if convicted.

Prosecutors allege Burke began a sexual relationship with Hernandez when she was 13 and he was 18. They said she threatened in April 2025 to reveal the relationship about 24 hours before her death and three days before Burke's first album was released.

Prosecutors presented text messages they said were from Hernandez, including threats to end Burke's career and life. They allege Burke then paid for an Uber to bring her to his home and stabbed her to death.

Prosecutors also said Amazon receipts showed Burke bought chainsaws, an inflatable pool and a portable incinerator that was too small to destroy her body.

Hernandez's decomposing body was found in September 2025 in the trunk of a Tesla registered in the singer's name, which had been towed to a Hollywood impound lot.

The hearing was told that Hernandez's family was aware of her relationship with Burke and had given written consent for her to travel to London with him in September 2024. Text messages presented at the hearing said Hernandez became pregnant by Burke and had an abortion.

Defense lawyer Blair Berk said Hernandez had been violent toward Burke, had bipolar disorder and had expressed suicidal ideation. Berk said “there was no evidence of deliberate intention to kill.”

Prosecutor Beth Silverman said “there's nothing in this case that sounds like an accident” and accused the defense of “dirtying up the victim.”

Patrick Steinfeld, an attorney representing Hernandez's family, said: “I find it abhorrent that defense attorneys are trying to put any blame on this young child.”

The next hearing, to discuss the trial schedule, will take place on Friday.

D4vd rose to fame in 2022 after his song “Romantic Homicide” became popular on TikTok. He performed at Coachella music festival last year.