US Pop Star D4vd Set to Stand Trial for Teen Murder
A Los Angeles judge has ruled that 21‑year‑old musician David Anthony Burke, known as D4vd, will face trial for the murder of 14‑year‑old Celeste Rivas Hernandez.
During a five‑day preliminary hearing on July 25, prosecutors interrogated a dozen witnesses and presented photographic evidence to the family of the victim, who watched the proceedings on a courthouse screen.
The case hinges on the discovery of the teen’s body last September in a Tesla registered to Burke’s address. Prosecutors allege that Burke stabbed and dismembered the girl after a history of alleged sexual abuse.
Burke has pleaded not guilty to both murder and sex‑abuse charges, with his arraignment set for August 31. The trial is scheduled to begin within 90 days, according to court docket.
Evidence read in court included texts exchanged between the teen and Burke. The exchanges began on 22 April 2025, when Celeste threatened that she would expose their relationship and “kill his career.” An app‑style message read: “I swear to GOD I will kill u” followed by threats to strangle him and do damage to him. The next day, the teen was taken to Burke’s Hollywood home in an Uber he had arranged. Prosecutors allege Burke stabbed her upon arrival.
Video footage of the arraignment captured Burke standing in the courtroom, looking relatively calm amid the tension. The image below reflects the courtroom scene.
