Singer David to Stand Trial for Murder of 14-Year-Old; Parents Knew Since She Was 11 | Hard to Read

The preliminary hearing for singer David Anthony Burke (D4vd) concluded, and the court decided to proceed to trial for the murder of 14-year-old Celeste Reeves Hernandez. The judge found sufficient evidence. The alleged motive: the girl threatened to expose an illicit relationship. Her parents knew about the relationship since she was 11.

The preliminary hearing for singer David Anthony Burke, known by his stage name D4vd, concluded at a Los Angeles court. Judge Charlaine Olmedo ruled that there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial for the murder of 14-year-old Celeste Reeves Hernandez. Burke, 21, is charged with first-degree murder, continuous sexual abuse of a minor, and mutilation of a corpse. The alleged motive: Hernandez threatened to expose the illicit and criminal relationship between them, which could have harmed Burke's music career. A shocking twist: the girl's parents knew about the relationship since she was 11, and even accompanied them to church and agreed to a joint trip to London. Detective Corey Farrell testified that there is no evidence in the messages that the girl threatened to expose the relationship, but the defense presented other correspondence. Burke will appear again on August 31 for arraignment, and the trial will begin within 90 days. The prosecution has not yet decided whether to seek the death penalty but noted that Burke faces death or life imprisonment without parole if convicted under aggravating circumstances.