Judge orders pop singer D4vd to stand trial for murder, dismemberment of 14-year-old girl

A Los Angeles judge has ordered indie pop singer D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, to stand trial for the murder and dismemberment of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Prosecutors presented evidence including chain saws, a plastic pool used to contain blood, and DNA matching the victim. Burke faces charges of first-degree murder, mutilation of remains, and child sexual abuse.

A Los Angeles judge has ordered indie pop singer D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, to stand trial for the murder and dismemberment of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Judge Charlaine Olmedo found probable cause after a five-day preliminary hearing where prosecutors presented graphic evidence, including chain saws, a plastic swimming pool used to contain blood, and DNA matching the victim. Burke, 21, is charged with first-degree murder, mutilation of human remains, and child sexual abuse. Prosecutors allege he killed the girl on April 23, 2025, after she threatened to expose their clandestine relationship, which began when she was 13. Her remains were found five months later in the trunk of a Tesla registered to Burke. The district attorney may seek the death penalty. Burke's attorney maintains his innocence.