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

American singer D4vd has been ordered to 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. Prosecutors said Hernandez’s body was found in the trunk of a Tesla registered in the singer’s name after it was towed to a Hollywood impound lot in September 2025.

D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, is 21. Prosecutors allege he 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.

Defense lawyer Blair 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.”

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.

D4vd rose to fame in 2022 after his song “Romantic Homicide” became popular on TikTok.