Pop singer D4vD to stand trial on murder, mutilation charges

LOS ANGELES — A Los Angeles judge on Monday ruled that prosecutors presented enough evidence for indie pop singer D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, to stand trial on charges that he fatally stabbed and dismembered a 14-year-old girl who allegedly threatened to expose their secret relationship.

Judge Charlaine Olmedo found there was probable cause for a jury to determine Burke's guilt, ordering the 21-year-old to remain in jail without bail. Burke has been charged with first-degree murder, mutilation of human remains, and child sexual abuse in connection with the death of Celeste Rivas Hernandez.

The ruling came after a five-day preliminary hearing in which prosecutors presented graphic testimony and crime scene photographs. The victim's parents attended most of the proceedings.

Olmedo rejected defense arguments that the largely circumstantial evidence was insufficient to move the case to trial. Burke, who has pleaded not guilty to all charges, was escorted from the courtroom after the hearing.

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said prosecutors have not yet decided whether to seek the death penalty.

Hochman expressed confidence that additional evidence to be presented during the trial would support a conviction beyond a reasonable doubt, the higher legal standard required for a guilty verdict.

Burke rose to fame in 2022 after gaining popularity on TikTok with music featured in Fortnite gaming videos. His hit single, "Romantic Homicide," led to a multimillion-dollar recording contract with Interscope Records.

His debut studio album was released in April 2025, the same week prosecutors said Hernandez disappeared and was killed.

Authorities said the victim's decomposing remains were discovered five months later inside the trunk of a Tesla registered to Burke after the vehicle had been towed to an impound lot. Workers reportedly alerted police after noticing the odor coming from the car.

According to prosecutors, Burke allegedly killed Hernandez after she threatened to reveal details of their sexual relationship, which they said could have jeopardized his rapidly growing music career.

Text messages presented during the hearing showed heated exchanges between the two. Prosecutors argued the alleged threats provided Burke with a motive for the killing.

Financial manager Benjamin Greger testified that Burke earned an estimated $10 million to $11 million between 2023 and 2025 following his record deal with Interscope.

Prosecutors allege Burke lured Hernandez to his Hollywood Hills home on April 23, 2025, where she was killed shortly after arriving.

During the hearing, prosecutors displayed photographs of chain saws, a shovel, and other items they said Burke purchased under a false name after the killing. They also alleged he used an inflatable swimming pool while dismembering the victim to prevent blood from spilling onto the garage floor.

Police testified that the victim's torso and head were found inside a cadaver bag in the vehicle, while her severed limbs were placed in a separate garbage bag. Investigators also said fragments of blue plastic matching the inflatable pool were embedded in the remains.

Authorities identified the victim through dental records. Prosecutors also said blood samples collected from Burke's garage matched Hernandez's DNA.

Burke's trial date has not yet been set. 

-Reporting by Steve Gorman in Los Angeles; Editing by Sanjeev Miglani and Stephen Coates/Reuters