Full Breakdown
D4vd Ordered to Stand Trial for the Murder and Dismemberment of Celeste Rivas Hernandez
7/29/2026, 11:00:31 AM
Core Event
On July 27, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Charlaine F. Olmedo found probable-cause evidence sufficient to move the case against indie-pop singer David Anthony Burke—stage name D4vd—to trial. Burke, 21, is charged with first-degree murder with special circumstances, continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains for the death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, 14. He remains in custody without bail and has pleaded not guilty.
Background & Context
Prosecutors allege Burke met Rivas Hernandez when she was 11 and began a sexual relationship at 13, while he was 18. Her parents signed a travel-consent form on Sept. 23 2024 permitting her to accompany Burke to London. On April 23 2025, Burke arranged an Uber that delivered her to his Hollywood Hills home, where prosecutors say he stabbed and later dismembered her.
Data & Statistics
- Victim: Celeste Rivas Hernandez, 14.
- Body discovered: Sept. 8 2025 in the front trunk of a Tesla registered to Burke; remains were found in cadaver bags and a garbage bag.
- Charges: murder (with lying-in-wait, financial-gain, and witness-elimination special circumstances), continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14, unlawful mutilation of human remains.
- Potential penalty: death penalty is eligible but not yet decided.
- Financial motive cited: Interscope Records executive testified Burke earned $10-$11 million from 2023-2025.
Official Statements & Responses
Judge Olmedo noted the “probable-cause” standard is lower than the “beyond-reasonable-doubt” standard required for conviction. Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said prosecutors had presented only a “small fraction” of their evidence and will seek a conviction “beyond a reasonable doubt.” Deputy District Attorney Beth Silverman asserted the evidence proved the allegations “way beyond the standard required.”
Family attorney Patrick Steinfeld said the family was “relieved” the case would proceed. Defense attorneys Marilyn Bednarski and Blair Berk argued the prosecution had not shown premeditated intent, describing the teen’s threats as evidence of her own hostility.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The prosecution’s medical examiner classified the death as homicide from two penetrating wounds; the defense argues this conclusion is insufficiently specific to prove murder. No surveillance video captured Rivas Hernandez’s exact movements after the Uber arrived, and the defense highlighted the lack of eyewitness verification of her exit from the vehicle.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The people have met their burden on all counts,” — Charlaine F. Olmedo
- “There’s no evidence that Mr. Burke harbored a deliberate intent to kill Miss Hernandez,” — Burke’s attorney
- “We will eventually prove [Burke's guilt] beyond a reasonable doubt,” — Nathan Hochman
What’s Next
An arraignment is scheduled for August 31. Prosecutors indicate a trial could be set as early as 60 days after the arraignment, potentially within 90 days of that date. The district attorney’s office has not yet announced whether it will pursue the death penalty.
