Judge Charlaine Olmedo determined on July 27, 2026 that there is sufficient evidence to bring the singer D4vd (David Anthony Burke, 21 years old) to trial for the alleged murder and dismemberment of Celeste Rivas Hernández, 14 years old, whose body was found in September 2025 in the trunk of her Tesla.

The teenager was last seen alive on April 23, 2025, when she arrived at Burke's Hollywood Hills residence. That night his phone stopped having activity.

The body was found five months later, in an advanced state of decomposition, with arms and legs cut off. The autopsy determined that he died from “multiple penetrating wounds” in a homicide.

Key evidence

The prosecution presented during the preliminary hearing:

Burke and Rivas Hernández met in 2022, when she was 11 years old. The relationship became sexual in November 2023 (she was 13, he was 18). The singer faces a charge of first-degree murder — which could make him eligible for the death penalty — as well as lewd acts with a child and dismemberment of a corpse.

Burke pleaded not guilty. His defense argues that he was not the cause of death and questions the collection of evidence. The singer remains detained without bail. A formal arraignment is scheduled for August 31, with a trial date to be determined.