D4vd to face trial for murder
D4vd to face trial for murder
D4vd to face trial for murder
A Los Angeles judge has ruled that US singer D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, will go on trial for murder over the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. The decision came after a five-day preliminary hearing, in which prosecutors presented evidence and questioned a dozen witnesses.
Prosecutors allege that Burke stabbed Rivas Hernandez to death after she threatened to expose their relationship and damage his music career. They claim that Burke had been sexually abusing Rivas Hernandez for years and that she had become pregnant with his child at the age of 13. According to prosecutors, Burke dismembered Rivas Hernandez's body in his garage using chainsaws and kept her remains in the trunk of a Tesla registered in his name for several months.
The case against Burke is based on a large amount of evidence, including text messages, photographs, and DNA analysis. Prosecutors presented a moment-by-moment account of Rivas Hernandez's last night, showing that her phone went permanently silent after she arrived at Burke's Hollywood home. They allege that Burke sent messages from Rivas Hernandez's phone after her death, asking where he was and expressing concern for her welfare, in an attempt to cover up the killing.
During the preliminary hearing, Detective Corey Farrell of the Los Angeles Police Department testified about the evidence collected from Burke's iPhone and iCloud accounts, including sexually explicit photos and years of text messages that described the relationship between Burke and Rivas Hernandez. Farrell also described the threats made by Rivas Hernandez against Burke, including a text message that said "i will end ur career and ur life."
The defense argued that there was insufficient evidence to support a murder charge, claiming that Burke did not harbor a deliberate intent to kill Rivas Hernandez. They also challenged the medical examiner's finding that Rivas Hernandez died from two puncture wounds, arguing that it was too inconclusive to establish murder. However, prosecutors rejected these arguments, saying that the defense was trying to "dirty up the victim" despite her being a child.
Burke has pleaded not guilty to all charges, including murder, continuous sexual abuse of a child under the age of 14, and unlawful mutilation of human remains. His arraignment is scheduled for August 31, and the trial is expected to start within 90 days of that date. Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman said that prosecutors are still considering whether to seek the death penalty.
D4vd, pronounced "David", rose to prominence as a teenager with a blend of indie rock, R&B, and lo-fi pop. He had a large following across social media platforms and had performed at the Coachella music festival in 2024. His debut album, "Withered", was released two days after prosecutors allege Rivas Hernandez was killed.
