D4vd ordered to stand trial in teen's killing case

A judge ruled after a five-day preliminary hearing that David Anthony Burke, known as D4vd, must stand trial in the killing of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Prosecutors have charged the 21-year-old with murder and dismemberment after her remains were found inside a Tesla registered to Burke in Hollywood, Los Angeles.

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner determined that Celeste Rivas Hernandez died from multiple penetrating injuries. In court, prosecutors showed graphic crime-scene photos, and investigators testified about possible bloodstains found at Burke’s home and in the Tesla. Burke’s phone allegedly contained sexually graphic photos of the teen.

Text messages and timing also figure in the prosecution’s case. Messages shown in court indicated that Celeste had been pregnant at age 13 and had an abortion more than a year before her death. Prosecutors argued Burke killed her to protect his career and financial assets after she threatened to expose their relationship. One timeline showed an alleged 21-minute period on the night Celeste arrived at Burke’s home before her texts stopped.

On Nov. 25, 2025, the Los Angeles Police Department said it was aware of recent media stories about the D4vd and Celeste Rivas Hernandez investigation. By April, Celeste was identified as a Lake Elsinore, California, teenager whose family still lived there, and relatives and neighbors began speaking publicly after Burke’s arrest.

Celeste’s family described her as a “beautiful, strong girl who loved to sing and dance.” Her parents were in court for the hearing and were horrified by the images shown to them.